The Threat of Mobile Malware to Cyber Security

Even though here at SDTEK our focus is providing managed it services for small to medium companies, we do like to help bring awareness to all sorts of security risks to any type of device. It’s probably pretty safe to say we can’t do without smartphones. Whether it is for personal use, entertainment, connecting with friends and family, or business management, mobile phones are an essential part of modern life.

Nonetheless, the freedoms to connect and engage with others through mobile phones can be threatened by the spread of mobile malware. This form of malware is something that is not really spoken about as much as let’s say keeping a computer network safe. However, it is important and we hope by shedding some light on this topic that you will find this blog post to be a helpful resource. 

What is Mobile Malware?

Mobile malware is malicious code designed to attack and spread to mobile or smartphones by leveraging operating system vulnerabilities to infect system and application software. Essentially it is a cyber attack directed to your phone.

Many people are familiar with the computer virus but little is known about mobile malware. This makes them more destructive since they can operate undetected for a long time.

Your smartphone may be working fine while malware is busy stealing your data. Android is the most targeted operating system since it holds the largest market share.

Mobile malware may steal victims’ personal data, create a backdoor to the OS or carry out unauthorized financial transactions and communications without the owner’s knowledge.

Mobile Malware’s Threat to Cyber Security

Mobile devices are targeted because they are often not as secured as PCs and desktops. Moreover, enterprise mobile device security solutions and policies are often challenging to install or enforce.

Many devices on the Android platform often run outdated software that is easier to hack. Some iPhone users also don’t upgrade their devices as long as it is working making them a target of malware.

Hackers can also use mobile device’s lax security to indirectly attack businesses which might be difficult to breach.

Most Common Mobile Malware

  1. Hummingbad Malware

This malware was discovered in 2016 and has infected over 10 million Android devices. Hummingbad steals and sell user’s detail and also display ads which it taps on without the victims’ knowledge. The app generates large revenue using the victims’ devices’ resources.

  1. Shedun Malware

This is a family of malware targeting Android system identified in 2015, it was discovered to affect about 20,000 popular Android apps.

The malware spread by repackaging official popular apps such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and others with adware. The malware then established itself as a system app upon installation. It generates revenues by serving ads.

The worst aspect of Shedun infection is that many victims cannot remove the virus and have to get a new device because removing the virus involve rooting the device which is beyond the technical abilities of most Android users.

  1. XcodeGhost

XcodeGhost is a compromised Xcode variant that bundles malicious code in any iOS apps compiled with it. It was distributed locally independent of official sources.

The malware infected apps steal device and users details and also has a remote-control capability through which attackers can send and execute commands on the target iOS devices.The current time, OS, network and other device details are sent encrypted to remote hacker servers.

XcodeGhost apps can hijack URL opening on devices and also prompt alert dialog.

Banking, IMs, stock trading and games iOS applications were all infected. Even the popular WeChat was not safe from XcodeGhost.

Other common mobile malware includes:

  •   Dendroid malware for Android.
  •   Ikee worm on iOS.
  •   Gunpowder worms on Android
  •   Droid Kungfu Trojan on Android

How to Protect Your Phone

  1. Update your mobile phones operating system.
  2. Install security and antivirus software on your device.
  3. Only install an app from trusted sources such as Google Play and Apple app store.
  4. Ignore suspicious links in emails, chat messages and text messages.
  5. Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi.

Mobile malware is out there and you must take steps to protect your device from infection and hijacking. They are a big threat to cyber security even though they have only attracted little attention. Be vigilant and proactive while using your mobile phones.

To learn more about our managed security services, please visit our secureTEK page on our website.  

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.