In 2023 the Kaspersky observed a constant increase in the number of threats to mobile devices, reaching almost 33,8 million attacks, an increase of 52% compared to the previous year. The most prevalent threat to mobile devices was adware, constituting 40,8% of all detected threats.
Kaspersky's annual analysis of the mobile threat landscape highlights the growing prevalence of security risks and the advancement of malicious mobile tools and technologies. According to the company's experts, there is a notable trend towards an increase in attacks targeting mobile devices. In 2023 alone, the number of attacks increased to 33,7 million, which represents a significant increase of almost 52%, compared to the 22,2 million attacks recorded in 2022.
The most frequent threat to mobile devices was adware, a type of software that displays unwanted and sometimes annoying pop-up advertisements, representing 40,8% of all threats detected. Regarding banking trojans, the number of installations of this type of malware fell to 153.682, after registering a sharp increase last year, when the number doubled. At the same time, the number of attacks using mobile banking has remained at relatively the same level.
Cybercriminals often distribute mobile threats through official and unofficial app online stores. In 2023, experts from Kaspersky detected numerous misleading applications present on Google Play.
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One of the most common disguises in 2023 were fake investment apps that relied on social engineering tactics to extract users' personal data, mainly their phone numbers and full names, which were then added to databases used for phone fraud. . Another predominant vector of these attacks were malicious WhatsApp and Telegram mods, designed to steal users' data.
"The rise in Android malware and riskware activity throughout 2023 marks a worrying change after a period of relative calm. Reaching levels reminiscent of early 2021, this increase highlights the significant threat users face. It is a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and implementing robust security measures to protect against evolving cyberthreats”, comments Anton Kivva, mobile security specialist at Kaspersky, in a statement.
