There are a number of other less common, but equally threatening mobile threats that one should be aware of:
- Spyware
A jealous co-worker or a nosy spouse might install a hidden, application into your smartphone to keep track of your whereabouts. This kind of application is known as spyware, and needless to state, you would not want to be tracked and have your privacy compromised. - Broken cryptography
Some apps that you download into your mobile might have crappy code including weak encryption mechanisms that any hacker break. Flaws in an app created in haste is common, and hacking such apps is easier in comparison. - Improper session handling
Improper session handling can let your personal data float free into the hands of scammers with ease. To ease the access mechanism of mobile devices, many apps use tokens. These tokens allow users to access the application multiple times without forcing them to re-authenticate themselves. For security, apps need to generate new tokens with each access attempt. Not doing so can leave the app exposed and vulnerable to attacks and impersonation.
A normal, tech-savvy person has access to a huge load of information on the types of smartphone threats and the ways to prevent them. However, few people take smartphone security seriously and implement methods to ensure the protection of their personal data. It is always advisable to ensure that your personal data remains truly personal by doing whatever needs to be done to keep scammers at bay.