News

Is App Angst Getting the Better of You?!

New figures released today by Wandera reveal only 50% of the British public feel safe using a smartphone, compared to 69% for a desktop computer. Mobile Data Gateway provider Wandera, which is today launching a new multi-level mobile security service for businesses, has also discovered three prominent apps with severe security vulnerabilities.

Wandera’s technology detected that 7 in 10 devices in its network are transmitting sensitive data in the clear, the type of data that can be easily stolen by a man in the middle attack. In addition, 1 in 5 devices have apps vulnerable to local access attack. Some severe vulnerabilities recently discovered in apps are:

oPizza Express, app transmits personal details include username, password, date of birth and children’s ages and genders

oThe Economist app transmits email and hashed password information in the clear

oCNBC PRO app leaks credentials allowing access to full names, addresses, telephone numbers and other sensitive information

Eldar Tuvey, CEO of Wandera said: “Some popular business-related apps like Hilton have recently been patched, but for a long time were openly providing access to sensitive personal information – Unfortunately we have identified numerous other apps that are as equally insecure.”

“Businesses require a new approach to deal with the changing threat landscape of insecure, leaky and malicious apps, malware and targeted phishing attacks. Fragmented, piecemeal security simply will not do anymore. Existing security solutions do not go far enough or deep enough to protect your organization.”

Wandera’s new research shows just 6% of working adults in Great Britain have been given specific security advice from their employer regarding mobile apps. This is despite Gartner predictions that by 2017, 75% of mobile security breaches will be the result of mobile app misconfiguration and misuse. In addition, over three times as many employees have been given security advice regarding desktops than mobile devices, despite their growing popularity.

The new Wandera Secure protects corporate mobile devices from threats by layering on device security with real-time cloud scanning in the path of the data. It scans all data including apps and websites, and actively monitors each device for vulnerabilities, providing proactive security to stop threats before they reach devices and sensitive internal corporate resources.

Tuvey continues: “Mobile attacks are growing on all platforms, but it’s clear that many businesses are still underestimating the severity and risk that tablets and smartphones can present. The threats out there are real and changing every day – we’ve helped to protect our customers from three major apps with risks during just our field testing period.”

Wandera customer, JT Pearson, IT Client Services Manager, at Kinross Gold said: "The multi-level service offered by Secure from Wandera is exactly what we have been waiting for in mobile security. We take our data security very seriously. As threats on mobile devices, Operating Systems, and apps evolve we need to stay at the forefront of security technology."