New Delhi. Mobile malware attacks are happening more in India than any other country. America and Canada are also lagging behind in this matter. The ‘Zscaler ThreatLab 2024 Mobile, IoT & OT Threat Report’ analyzed more than 20 billion datasets containing threat-related mobile transactions and related cyber threats between June 2023 and May 2024. According to the report, “India has become the biggest target of mobile malware attacks.” Of the total attacks carried out during this period, 28 percent were carried out in India. After this, 27.3 percent attacks took place in America and 15.9 percent in Canada. India was ranked third in this list last year and now being at the top of this list underlines the critical need for Indian enterprises to adopt strong security measures. Especially amidst rapid digital transformation and increasing cyber threats.
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what is malware
‘Malware’ is a software that is used on mobile or computer to steal someone’s identity or break into confidential information. The report revealed a 29 percent increase in banking malware attacks and a staggering 111 percent increase in mobile spyware attacks. Spyware is a type of malware. Through this, personal information of a person is obtained without his knowledge.
These bank customers were targeted
According to ThreatLab analysts, there has been an increase in phishing attempts targeting mobile customers of major Indian banks like HDFC, ICICI and Axis. These attacks target mobile users using banking websites that mimic real banking websites.
Earlier, similar tactics were used to spread Android-based phishing malware through fake card update sites, leading to large-scale financial fraud. Phishing is not actually software, it is a way of obtaining information. This may include using malware. This often includes emails that contain links to websites infected with malware.
“Legacy systems and insecure IoT/OT (Internet of Things/Operational Technology) environments are becoming prime targets for cyber criminals,” said Suvbrata Sinha, CISO-India, Zscaler. We are seeing a significant increase in hacking attempts targeting them.
Important steps are being taken
He said, “It is essential for Indian enterprises to adopt a strong and untrusted security framework to secure their core operating environment. This will not only protect critical systems, but also ensure business continuity in an increasingly connected world.
The report also indicates a worrying global trend, in which more than 200 such apps were found on Google Play Store which were dangerous in terms of security. At the same time, IoT malware transactions have increased by 45 percent on an annual basis, underscoring the pervasive nature of cyber threats today. On a positive note, India has improved as a malware origin destination. It has moved from 5th place to 7th place in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region.
Tag: mobile apps, Mobile phone, technical Bulletin
first published : December 3, 2024, 4:27 pm IST
