Most smartphone operating systems use a permission-based system to allow apps to do certain functions or access certain data from the phone. However, this is not a guarantee that the apps will not request too many privileges. The approval part still lies with the user, but not all users are tech-savvy enough to know when apps are requesting unnecessary permissions. According to Appthority Inc., many free apps have ties with advertising networks. Therefore, the apps are used to collect data such as contacts, browser records, and location, which is then shared with the advertisers.
By using the Appthority Platform™, the security team at Appthority analyzed the top 50 free apps from Apple's App Store and Google Play Store for risky app behavior. The findings are recorded in the App Reputation Report. You can read the App Reputation Report at https://www.appthority.com/company/press/press-releases/appthority-reveals-security-risks-of-free-mobile-apps/.
Malware attacks are also increasingly becoming a mobile security concern. There has been a rise in the number of threats that can be used against phones across several operating systems. This is a big threat, since many users do not install antivirus systems on their phones.
The number of threats and vulnerabilities keeps rising, and this has opened up a career for mobile security professionals. Individuals and corporations that want to have all-around security want professionals that can protect their mobile devices so that they cannot be easily compromised when on the go. Also, there is an increasing demand for smartphone forensic experts that can track back a mobile security attack to find its root cause and mitigation. Therefore, studying mobile security technologies and mobile forensic technologies could open up a long-term career in cybersecurity.