The digital era has brought a true revolution in the world's connectivity. Mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly present in our routines, integrating our homes, workplaces and cities. However, this expanded connectivity has also opened new doors for cybercrime , as as the number of connected devices increases, the attack surface available to criminals also expands. According to data from ABINC , the total number of connected mobile devices in the world in 2023 was estimated at around 41.76 billion, driven mainly by the growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the advancement of connectivity provided by the arrival of 5G. Therefore, cybersecurity on mobile and IoT devices is essential for companies.
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in cyberattacks targeting mobile and IoT devices, making it a growing concern for businesses and governments. According to SonicWall's 2024 Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report malware on IoT devices increased 107% in the first half of 2024, with these devices spending an average of 52.8 hours under attack . As new technologies are released, new vulnerabilities also emerge that can be exploited by criminals. Thus, protecting these networks and devices becomes a race against time to ensure data integrity and system security.
In this scenario, it is essential that companies invest in strengthening their digital infrastructure, protecting their devices and networks. In other words, protection against DNS-based threats is essential to combat cyber attacks that can compromise critical infrastructure and interrupt services.
The explosion of IoT and the new frontier of cybercrime
Thus, the expansion of IoT (Internet of Things) has been exponential. According to Juniper Research , it is estimated that the global base of IoT devices connected to mobile networks will grow by 90% over the next four years , jumping from 3.4 billion to 6.5 billion by 2028. This explosion in connectivity increases Cybersecurity on mobile and IoT devices to a new level of challenges as every connected device represents a potential gateway for cyber criminals.
One of the biggest challenges of IoT is the lack of uniformity and standardization in security . Devices from different manufacturers are often developed with little attention to security strategies, using encryption technologies and default credentials. These characteristics make them easy targets for criminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, the enormous diversity of IoT devices available contributes to the complexity of the security strategy, as each manufacturer adopts proprietary solutions that are not compatible with each other. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to implement large-scale protection measures, leaving many networks exposed to cyber attacks.
IoT security challenges: lack of standardization and scalability
The security of IoT devices faces significant challenges due to the lack of standardization. The wide variety of manufacturers and models leads to different levels of protection, which are often inadequate and outdated. Devices often employ outdated encryption and default credentials, making them vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. The lack of a uniform standard makes it difficult to apply effective security measures comprehensively, as there is no single approach that can be adopted by all devices.
Additionally, the scalability of security solutions is a growing concern. As the number of connected devices grows rapidly, it becomes increasingly complex to manage and secure each one. Many older devices continue to operate without security updates, and existing infrastructure may not support the amount of data generated. Without an effective strategy to continually monitor and update these devices , IoT networks remain susceptible to attacks that can compromise the integrity of critical systems and expose sensitive information.
Furthermore, the use of IoT has also expanded the attack surface spectrum. Criminals, who previously focused on corporate computers, can now also access security cameras, smart refrigerators and IoT-controlled thermostats. Due to these factors, the security of these devices cannot be neglected, making the protection of the networks they interconnect a priority.
Mass Connectivity: The Challenges of Large-Scale Security
With billions of devices connected globally, ensuring the security of these mobile and IoT devices has become a major challenge. Large-scale connectivity also increases the complexity of security tools, as each device introduces new vulnerabilities that need to be managed.
IoT networks connect different devices, from sensors in factories to health monitoring systems. Each connected device can weaken the security of the network as a whole. Furthermore, many IoT devices have limited memory and processing resources, hindering the implementation of more robust security measures.
Another concern is related to monitoring and managing these devices on a large scale. With the increased use of these tools, organizations are finding it difficult to track resources and monitor activities appropriately. This lack of control creates loopholes that can be exploited by attackers, making it necessary to strengthen network security through DNS protection , for example.
Critical sectors in the spotlight: the impacts of attacks on health and others
According to the 2023 Cyber Health Data Breach Report conducted by Critical Insight , although the year is showing a downward trend in breaches, the number of compromised individual health records has reached an all-time high. just six months. The report, based on an analysis of data breaches reported by US healthcare organizations, said vulnerabilities at these institutions fell by 15% in the first six months of 2023 . However, there was a 31% increase in the number of individual records compromised, impacting 40 million people.
In 2021, ransomware attacks compromised hospitals in Europe and the United States, resulting in the disruption of essential services and the diversion of sensitive data. The vulnerability of IoT-connected medical devices, such as insulin pumps and heart rate monitors, poses a direct risk to life , as these tools can be remotely manipulated by attackers.
The vulnerability of the energy sector
Likewise, the energy sector also faces major risks. A significant example was the attack on Ukraine's power grid in 2015, which resulted in power outages for more than 200,000 people.
According to IBM's 2023 X-Force report , the energy sector ranks third among the most targeted sectors for cyber attacks. The energy sector remains particularly vulnerable to such threats, impacting its critical infrastructure due to the complexity of the tools and systems used in the sector.
These incidents highlight the importance of investing in robust security, with a greater focus on protecting connected devices and the networks that support them.
Retail and e-commerce in sight
E-commerce and retail companies face major cybersecurity challenges due to the large daily volume of transactions and personal data. Customer information, such as credit card details, addresses and purchase histories, is extremely valuable to cybercriminals. Attacks such as phishing , malware and identity theft are common in this sector, as platforms often deal with large volumes of sensitive data that can be monetized. Additionally, security breaches on websites or payment systems can cause large-scale financial fraud, affecting businesses and consumers.
Another critical vulnerability in e-commerce and retail is dependence on third parties such as payment providers, delivery platforms and hosting services. When these outsourced companies do not have robust security measures, they end up opening the door to invasions that can affect the entire service chain. This, combined with the growing demand for convenience and speed in online shopping, often leads to security breaches in accelerated processes.
Implementing technologies such as multi-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption are some of the solutions that can mitigate these risks, but many companies have not yet adopted these practices consistently.
The challenge of privacy in devices and IoT
The growing adoption of mobile and IoT devices has made data privacy one of the biggest challenges for companies. Connected devices collect a huge amount of sensitive information , which, when poorly protected, can fall into the hands of criminals.
Inadequate configurations and lack of software updates make these devices vulnerable, allowing criminals to access corporate networks, collect data or violate users' privacy.
Mitigating these risks involves investing in cutting-edge encryption, monitoring, and strong authentication . The DNS Firewall also plays a crucial role, helping to block unauthorized access and preventing data from being intercepted or transmitted to malicious servers. Protecting data privacy on mobile and IoT devices requires an integrated approach, combining security technologies with stricter privacy policies.
Cutting-edge encryption
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a security strategy that ensures that only the sender and recipient can access the data , making it impossible for third parties to intercept the information. In this process, messages or data are encrypted at the point of origin and are only decrypted at the destination point, ensuring that any intermediate user, even if they have access to the content, will not be able to read it. This technology can be observed in messaging applications and communication platforms, which use this method to increase the privacy of interactions.
This type of encryption is vital not only to protect privacy, but also to ensure the integrity of the information transmitted. Thus, any attempt to intercept information will be immediately detected. In an increasingly connected digital environment, end-to-end encryption becomes one of the main defenses against cyberattacks.
Monitoring
Systems monitoring tracks activity across networks, servers, applications, and devices to ensure security, performance, and compliance. By detecting and reporting any anomalous activity or potential threat in real time, monitoring allows quick responses to problems , avoiding greater damage, such as service interruption or data compromise.
In the field of cybersecurity, continuous monitoring is crucial to detect attacks at early stages and prevent further damage. Furthermore, monitoring is not just limited to security; it also ensures that systems and networks are running efficiently. Additionally, this practice is crucial for organizations to be able to meet compliance requirements with security regulations, such as ISO 27001, GDPR and LGPD.
Strong authentication
Strong authentication, also known as multi-factor authentication (MFA), refers to the use of more than one method to verify a user's identity before allowing access to systems or information. This usually combines something the user knows (password or PIN), something the user has (a device like a token or cell phone), and something inherent to the user (biometrics, like fingerprints or facial recognition).
Today, strong authentication is essential for industries that handle sensitive information, such as banks and technology companies. It improves protection against intrusions and vulnerabilities in an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Sophisticated attacks: deepfakes and phishing threaten critical companies
The advancement of technology has caused cyber attacks to become increasingly sophisticated, using more complex tactics to deceive users and companies. Deepfakes and phishing are notorious examples of this evolution.
Deepfakes are videos, audios or images created using artificial intelligence (AI), which manipulate or replace a person's face or voice in a realistic way, managing to deceive the public, making it appear that a person or personality said or did something that In reality, it didn't happen. Phishing is a fraudulent practice where a cybercriminal tries to deceive a user to obtain sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers or personal data.
Mitigating these risks can be achieved through robust, multi-layered solutions . In addition to raising awareness and training employees, you can explore advanced fraud detection and biometric authentication technologies as efficient responses.
Social engineering 2.0: dangerous SMS phishing
Social engineering has evolved along with technology, and now phishing attacks, which have always been harmful, also use more sophisticated channels such as text messages and calls. Known as smishing , the SMS phishing attack aims to trick users into revealing confidential information or downloading malware onto their mobile devices. Companies of all sizes are frequent targets, with criminals posing as suppliers or executives.
Smishing is particularly effective because it exploits the trust people have in mobile devices. Many users end up believing that text messages are more secure than emails, which makes them less vigilant. Additionally, mobile devices generally have fewer layers of protection than conventional systems.
To combat this threat, organizations need to invest in security solutions that go beyond traditional ones. The DNS firewall, for example, can block malicious links and prevent redirects to fake websites, protecting mobile devices and the IoT from threats.
Deepfakes: the new face of cybercrime and its real impacts
Deepfake is a media manipulation technique that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to develop fake videos, images or audio in a very realistic way . They represent a growing threat in the cybersecurity landscape. With the help of artificial intelligence, it is possible to create extremely realistic videos and audios, using the voices of public figures or company executives. Criminals have used these forgeries to defraud companies, extort and manipulate public opinion.
It is important to remember that the impact of deepfakes goes far beyond financial damage. They have the potential to compromise trust in the information circulating in the digital environment, creating an environment of chaos and misinformation. Criminals can use deepfakes to simulate conversations between executives and make companies carry out fraudulent transactions.
To meet this challenge, companies must adopt an approach that combines technology and awareness. Using authenticity verification tools , providing ongoing training, and securing DNS to prevent access to phishing and deepfake sites are essential to protecting the integrity of communications and data security.
The role of DNS Firewall and defense strategies
As we've seen, security in mobile and IoT devices presents unique and complex challenges. However, a comprehensive approach, combining robust cybersecurity and DNS protection, can significantly reduce risks.
DNS protection is essential for blocking access to malicious websites and preventing data from being transmitted to compromised servers. They are a crucial defense against various cyber threats, ensuring the security of connected networks and devices.
Additionally, implementing good security practices, such as utilizing encryption, strong authentication, and regular software updates, can help mitigate many of the risks associated with mobile and IoT devices.
Cybersecurity on mobile and IoT devices
Given all the concerns related to protecting these tools, cybersecurity on mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a growing concern as the number of devices connected to the internet increases. With the great expansion of the use of smartphones and smart devices in companies, vulnerabilities are also multiplying.
The lack of consistent security standards for many IoT devices also makes the situation considerably worse. The lack of software updates and vulnerability fixes leaves a large number of devices exposed to cyberattacks. In addition to the use of smarter security tools, user awareness of cybersecurity risks and good practices is crucial, helping to reduce the impact of growing threats in this increasingly connected reality.
Therefore, investing in advanced technologies and maintaining a proactive stance in relation to cybersecurity is essential to protect data and ensure the integrity of business operations. With cyber threats constantly evolving, companies must maintain vigilance and adopt effective strategies to protect their networks and devices.
