How Cybercriminals Exploit Mobile Network Weaknesses

Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them to browse the Internet, do shopping, consume content, but also perform various work-related tasks. Unfortunately, unlike our computers, smartphones don’t have the same level of protection, providing an easy way into a company’s systems.

During mobile hacking, a criminal will exploit weaknesses in the phone’s defense, gaining access to personal as well as company’s sensitive data. An attack can range from a simple data interception to a high-degree breach that could potentially destroy a company.

How Mobile Hacking Works?

Hackers implement all sorts of tactics during a smartphone network breach. The most common method starts by identifying a prospective target and finding vulnerabilities in their protection. After that, a hacker will deliver its payload so that he can exploit the system.

1.    Finding the Target

Mobile breaches don’t happen by chance. Attackers analyze potential victims, trying to find the person that’s easiest to hack. They also consider the quality of information stored on their device and the financial benefit they can gain from the attack.

Anyone is susceptible to these malicious attacks, from simple workers to company management. Whatever the case, attackers are usually looking for people with a high degree of access so they can get the most value from an attack.

2.    Discovering Vulnerabilities

Hackers will take a hard, long look at your SS7 firewall and other smartphone’s defenses. Among others, attackers have to determine whether you’re using an old version of software and if you’re using a simple password. They’ll look for any area they can exploit, from operating systems to software and devices themselves.

3.    Delivering Payload

Upon detecting vulnerability in your protection, the attacker will deploy his payload, which comes in the form of spyware or virus. Hackers use all sorts of methods for infiltrating this malicious program into your system, including phishing, creating fake Wi-Fi, and introducing payload via phone app.

4.    Exploitation

The next step of the process is establishing a better position within your network. The main goal here is to prevent external access from the company employees as they try to eliminate the threat. During the exploitation process, attackers will take advantage of old software, as well as app and operative system flaws.

5.    Extracting Data

After securing a foothold, attackers will extrapolate data from your system to external devices or the cloud. In some cases, they’ll even try to take complete control of your smartphone. Eventually, they might steal your identity or the company’s financial assets.

6.    Covering Tracks

A malicious attack is considered a success once hackers properly cover their tracks. Their main goal is to remain undetected for some time, as this will allow them to steal as much information and resources as possible. While in the mobile system, they might change timestamps and delete or modify various files.

Common Mobile Breach Tactics

As mobile defenses become more and more sophisticated, hackers go to extreme lengths to develop breaching tactics. Among others, they’ll use phishing emails, hazardous apps, social engineering, fake Wi-Fi networks, and SMS-based attacks to gain access to your smartphone:

Malicious Apps

This type of software messes up smartphones’ basic defenses. At first glance, a malicious app might seem like a legitimate program anyone can get online. However, as soon as you install the software, it will install spyware, ransomware, malware, and other malicious elements on your device.

Social Engineering

During a social engineering attack, a person is tricked into revealing personal or company data. These types of attacks aren’t that predicated on technology as much as they exploit human psychology. For example, social engineering attacks take advantage of a person’s curiosity, greed, or willingness to communicate with other people online.

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common social engineering attacks. Attackers send emails with embedded links or downloadable content to their targets. Phishing can also be conducted through websites and direct messages. Once you click on the link or download the file, you’ll create a pathway for an attacker to steal your personal data.

Outdated Programs

The best example of outdated programs is old cybersecurity tools. This type of software can no longer handle modern external threats. We also want to mention legacy software that doesn’t have two-way authentication and other security measures common for today’s apps.

Weak Passwords

The majority of mobile cyberattacks are a direct product of a human mistake. Perhaps the best example of that is breaches caused by users’ weak passwords. People use their first or last name in their password as well as other easy-to-guess information. Another mistake is using the same password across the board.

Vulnerable Wi-Fi Networks

People often log into public networks when browsing the Internet. Unfortunately, most of these networks have lackluster protection. Attackers take advantage of users’ carelessness, launching MITM attacks, distributing malware, or intercepting mobile data.

How to Determine if You’re Hacked?

Here are a few tricks that will help you determine whether your smartphone has been hacked:

• Perhaps the best indication is when your battery empties too quickly without excessive usage. This commonly happens because a hacking process occurs in the background.
• You might also notice that your mobile phone is incredibly slow. Besides delays, you’ll also notice some of the programs or OS crashing.
• During certain attacks, new programs will be automatically installed on your phone. Malicious software might also create pop-ups and various ads on your screen.
• Excessive data consumption is another common indication of cyberattack in progress.
• As a result of overuse, you’ll notice that the smartphone is quickly getting hot.
• Once malicious apps settle on your device, they might require additional access from you.

Anyway, we recommend you pay attention to anything out of the ordinary.

Conclusion

Experiencing a mobile network breach is especially disastrous if you’re using the device for work. It will give attacker access to business files, making you liable for the breach. It’s even worse if you’re the company owner, as this attack can completely wipe out your funds.

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.