Do Mobile Security Solutions Really Work or Are They a Scam?

Consumers notoriously favor convenience over security. Users employ easy-to-guess passwords and recycle those weak password on various  accounts. System updates are rarely a priority, even though the latest update may contain a patch for a critical vulnerability. Users are also skeptical about the need to use a security solution on their phones, because they don’t believe malware is a threat on mobiles, or the solutions themselves are pure marketing gimmicks and a waste of money. In reality, mobile devices are just as vulnerable to cyber threats as computers. So, just how relevant are mobile security solutions in this context?

Password theft

We mentioned passwords above for good reason. Weak passwords are the entry point for most attacks on both business and consumer accounts, according to Microsoft. That’s 579 password attacks every second, or 18 billion per year.

The Redmond giant also found “1 in 10 people admitted reusing passwords across sites, and 40% say they've used a formula for their passwords, like Fall2021, which eventually becomes Winter2021 or Spring2022,” according to Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft's corporate vice president for security.

So, how does a mobile security app protect you if attackers, say, use automated password spraying to try many possibilities quickly and eventually guess your password? Bitdefender Mobile Security constantly monitors your email to check for signs of compromise and immediately recommends actions if it finds something even remotely fishy. It also secures your device against phishing and fraudulent sites, so your password doesn’t have to be compromised in the first place.

Malware

Malware may not be a prevalent threat on iOS devices, but some incidents may take place even on iPhones and iPads. Android, on the other hand, is a whole different story. From screen lockers that work like ransomware to Trojans and Stalkerware, the Android ecosystem is chock full of risks – including inside the almighty Google Play Store.

Besides offering protection against basic online threats (phishing, fraud, etc.), Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android has a built-in state-of-the art antivirus that keeps your device safe from all new and existing threats, including malware removal. According to Sean Riley, writing for Tom’s Guide, “Bitdefender Mobile Security is the best overall choice for paid antivirus apps.”

Basic security hygiene

Bitdefender Mobile Security offers web protection that blocks malicious, phishing and fraudulent links and keeps your online activity safe on the most popular browsers so you can navigate or buy online without risk. The Autopilot feature acts as your personal security advisor by recommending security actions for your needs and usage patterns.

For example, Bitdefender Mobile Security for iOS knows immediately when a critical patch is available for your device – like Apple’s urgent fix for these two severe flaws rolled out just this week.

You can find out whether your account details or personal data have been involved in a data breach by monitoring them. And you can surf the web anonymously and unlock geo IP-restricted content with built-in VPN.

Our solution also reports your activity in weekly intervals to give you a clear overview of how you use your phone, from a security and privacy perspective. This not only helps you keep tabs on risky activities but also teaches you about the basics of online and mobile security on a regular basis.

These are just a few examples of why mobile security should be a priority for every smartphone user. If you still need convincing, check out these resources we put together for all the skeptics out there.

A Heads-Up on Stalkerware, the Wolf Software in Sheep’s Clothing

The Top Five Security Risks Smartphone Users Face Today

Mobile security threats: reality or myth?

Stay safe!