A Look Ahead: Mobile Security Predictions for 2015

Michael Shaulov is co-founder and CEO of Lacoon Mobile Security” href=”http://www.lacoon.com”>Lacoon Mobile Security.

With 2015 just around the corner, we took a look back at some of the biggest trends in mobile security over the past year. From Towelroot and PanGu to Chinese iOS spyware and Masque Attack, it’s no secret that organizations endured many sophisticated mobile attacks in 2014. While some were prepared, others fell short in their awareness and protection. As we look ahead to the New Year, I’d like to share with you Lacoon‘s Mobile Security Predictions for 2015.

1. Government Spying

Nation-states or governments will increase their cyberspying efforts, and will implement new methods of obtaining confidential information from citizens and private entities.

2. Targeted Attacks

Large-scale cyber attack campaigns to steal information from high profile groups, enterprises and individuals will become more frequent. These will include public and private Wi-Fi network-based attacks, device infection through physical connections with infected desktops, and an increased number of malicious entry points on mobile devices.

3. Cybercrime Sophistication

Cybercriminals will discover new, highly detrimental means of infiltrating mobile devices. They will develop sophisticated mobile malware, similar to what we’ve seen on desktops, that uses obfuscation techniques designed to break the detection capabilities of traditional antivirus solutions.

4. Financial Data Exposure

Mobile banking and payment apps like Google Wallet and Apple Pay are becoming more popular, and as customers trust these apps more to conduct advanced transactions, cybercriminals will target them for financial gain.

5. New Attacks on iOS

Apple continues to gain enterprise market share, making iOS devices valuable targets. In 2015, we will see more attacks to iOS devices that will impact individuals and the enterprise.

But, there is hope…

6. More Malware, More Awareness

The enterprise is waking up to the fact that iOS and Android devices need to be secured just like their other IT assets. Because most employees, especially those using their own devices for work, still lack an understanding of why cybersecurity is a must-have, education is key to increasing protection. Making sure everyone understands the threat landscape will determine which devices remain safe and which are at critical risk of facilitating the next major breach.