In our increasingly connected world, mobile devices have become essential tools for both personal and professional activities. These devices (like smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks) store sensitive information, grant access to financial accounts, and connect us with loved ones. As our reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the importance of mobile security. Just in time for Cybersecurity Month, the Technology and Innovation Department of the City of Boston (DoIT) is releasing Boston Secure, a mobile security app that’s free to its residents and powered by Zimperium.
Boston Secure: A Trusted Mobile Security Application
Mobile device security can be daunting for everyday users, especially students who do not think twice about the implications of the apps they download. Looking for a mobile app that can preserve the user’s privacy is vital to providing the proper safeguards to protect users – of all ages – from these attacks and scams.
Boston Secure is just one of the local municipalities bridging this digital divide and safeguarding residents with a free mobile app requiring no personal or private information collection, leaving the user protected and their privacy intact.
The Boston Secure app features:
- Wi-Fi Network Alerts: Get instant notifications about unsecure Wi-Fi hotspots and networks to ensure secure browsing.
- Android App Safety: Detects and warns against unsafe apps on Android devices, preventing potential threats.
- Detect System Tampering: Receive immediate notifications if your device’s integrity is compromised.
- Detect Phishing: Use the phishing link check within the app to determine if links (URLs) or QR codes are safe or enable the VPN for comprehensive phishing protection.
User will get alerts of these threats to their mobile device while enabling them to decide what actions to take to help protect themselves and the data on their smartphone.
Why Mobile Security Matters for Everyday Essentials
With the widespread usage of mobile devices, they have become prime targets for cybercriminals. In fact, 80% of phishing attacks targeted mobile devices or were designed to function on both mobile devices and desktops for enterprise users. Mobile attacks are constantly increasing, even for consumer end users.
As we head into the biggest holiday shopping days of the year, attackers are waiting to scam online shoppers through tactics like phishing email campaigns, connecting to devices via public Wi-Fi networks (which could be fake networks), or through third-party apps embedded with malicious software known as malware. Understanding what is at risk is the first step to preventing or minimizing an attacker’s access to sensitive and financial data.
Protecting Personal Data
Mobile devices contain a treasure trove of personal information, including photos, messages, email, contact details, and passwords. Attackers are searching for this information to sell on the dark web or to use for a targeted attack at the user’s place of employment (this tactic is known as spearphishing). Ensuring this data’s security is paramount to protecting an individual’s digital identity, especially for students.
Preventing Financial Loss and Scams
Many people use their mobile devices for online banking, shopping, and managing financial accounts, which are prime activities that attackers target to gain access to that information. Without the proper security measures, even for everyday users, these activities can expose them to economic losses due to scams and cyberattacks.
Protecting Against Unauthorized Access
Mobile devices are small and portable, which makes them the perfect target for attackers. On a desktop, seeing where a link is going or who sent the email is more accessible. On a personal mobile device, it is difficult to find this information. Individuals must take additional precautions when clicking links via text messages, messaging apps, or emails. Additionally, understanding why a mobile app needs access to critical settings on your device is a red flag to watch out for.
Mobile Apps Leaking Data or Spying
Apps like everyday tools downloaded from the app store or third parties could be deemed high-risk. For example, if a user downloads a new calculator app and is prompted with a pop-up to give access to hardware such as a microphone, camera, or information such as photos and contacts, these actions could compromise the device, personal and financial information, and give unauthorized access to online accounts.
Zimperium, the leader in mobile-first security, is a proud partner of the City of Boston DoIT, providing this free app to its residents. Zimperium has also partnered with New York, Los Angeles, the State of Michigan, and Dallas to provide privacy-first mobile security for all ages.
To learn more about our Resident Safety initiative, contact us today.
Download Boston Secure
The Boston Secure app is now available for iOS and Android devices. Download the app today for free!
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Article Link: Boston Secure Helps Keep Mobile Devices Safe | Zimperium