ManageEngine’s Arun Kumar Talks the Threat of Mobile Malware

As our digital landscape evolves, so do the threats that lurk within it. Ransomware attacks have surged dramatically, with a 95% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. 

This alarming trend has left businesses scrambling to fortify their defences. However, a new threat is emerging that demands our attention: mobile malware.

To find out more, we spoke with Arun Kumar J, Regional Director at ManageEngine (Zoho), on the rising threat of mobile malware and its implications for businesses and individuals alike.

A new entry point

The proliferation of mobile devices in the workplace has created new vulnerabilities for organisations. 

"As working habits and devices change, there's also been an exponential growth in mobile malware,” explains Arun. “The rise of BYOD policies is making companies more vulnerable; by limiting the security measures they can take with those devices - as the devices ultimately belong to the employees."

This shift towards mobile-centric work environments has opened up new avenues for cybercriminals. Mobile malware, specifically designed to target smartphones and tablets, poses a unique challenge as it can bypass traditional security measures.

The threat is not limited to personal devices. Arun points out: "Mobile malware is a piece of software specifically written to damage mobile devices and their operating systems."

This means that even company-issued devices are at risk, potentially compromising sensitive corporate data and systems.

To combat this growing threat, organisations must adopt a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity. 

Defending against the threat

"Organisations should also ensure that systems or software are periodically updated. If not, these systems can be highly vulnerable to attacks,” Arun suggests.

Regular updates are crucial in patching vulnerabilities that could be exploited by mobile malware. 

Additionally, Arun recommends strong server capabilities can server one of the most common entry points for Malware: Email. 

This highlights the importance of securing all potential entry points for malware, including email systems that are frequently accessed on mobile devices.

Yet, as the threat landscape evolves, so must defensive strategies.

"AI-based cybersecurity solutions can help organisations by detecting and analysing unusual activity patterns,” says Arun. “These solutions then lock out users who appear malicious, which prevents malware from spreading through the system and accessing system resources."

The integration of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity offers a powerful tool in the fight against mobile malware, providing real-time threat detection and response.

The human element

However, technology alone is not enough. Arun stresses the importance of human vigilance.

 "Businesses should exercise a best practice to passwords, including implementing password managers,” he says. “Attackers often exploit using weak or default passwords (think "123456" and "password"), or passwords that have been exposed in data breaches."

Educating employees about the risks of mobile malware and implementing strong password policies are crucial steps in building a comprehensive defence strategy.

As we navigate this new frontier of cybersecurity, the threat of mobile malware looms ever larger. 

Organisations must understand that mobiles now represent another potential entry point into their networks, and should adopt a proactive approach that combines cutting-edge technology with robust policies and employee education to combat it. 

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