Major armaments in mobile combat and the misconception that Apple'sclosed system remains free of malware
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, mobile devices have become a prime target for cybercriminals. Organisations should equip themselves with a robust mobile threat prevention solution that analyses apps as they are downloaded, examines their behaviour, assesses devices for vulnerabilities, and mitigates network-based attacks.
Common threats relevant to both Android and iOS devices include malware (such as spyware and trojans), phishing (including SMS-based phishing or smishing), app-based threats from malicious or fake apps, and exploitation of software vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation or remote code execution.
In 2025, Android devices have witnessed a significant rise in malware, especially spyware and smishing attacks. These threats often manifest in the form of malicious apps disguised as useful tools but designed to steal data or financial information, such as fake loan apps. Android devices have also faced critical vulnerabilities like zero-day flaws in Qualcomm hardware components and Android system components, allowing remote code execution without user interaction. Google regularly issues patches to address these high-severity flaws, such as CVE-2025-21479 and CVE-2025-48530, to mitigate such risks.
iOS devices, while less frequently targeted, are not immune to threats. Historically, common attacks include jailbreaking exploits, malicious profiles or configuration attacks, zero-day vulnerabilities allowing remote code execution or privilege escalation, and sophisticated spyware threats like Pegasus. Apple's tightly controlled app ecosystem and timely patching reduce but do not eliminate these risks.
Users on both platforms should prioritise keeping devices updated with the latest security patches, avoid installing apps from untrusted sources, and be vigilant against phishing attempts delivered via SMS or other channels.
Mobile devices are becoming the next security battleground, and organisations will need to adopt the same rigorous approaches to protecting their mobile estate as they do to the rest of their IT infrastructure. The ideal solution should also be able to flag malicious apps and regularly assess devices for signs of being targeted by attackers.
WiFi man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks can occur when any type of device connects to a rogue WiFi hotspot, making them difficult for mobile users to spot due to the limited screen size and simplified browsers. As mobile malware continues to multiply, organisations will need to be proactive in implementing security measures to protect their mobile workforce.
Sources:
- Android Security Bulletin - 2025
- Threat Analysis - 2025
- General Knowledge of Mobile Security Trends for iOS
- Michael Shaulov, Head of Mobility at Check Point
- 2015 Study on Mobile Surveillance and mRATs
- Information on WireLurker and YiSpecter malware
- Details on Malicious iOS Profiles
- Information on Mobile Remote Access Trojans (mRATs)
- Details on Android System Vulnerabilities
- Information on Mobile Malware on Google Play and Apple's App Store
- Details on the Rogue Chinese Site distributing pirated iOS-based apps
- Information on Attackers exploiting Webkit vulnerabilities
- To safeguard against the increasing cybersecurity threats in data-and-cloud-computing, especially on Android devices that have experienced a surge in malware and smishing attacks, organizations need to adopt technology that offers robust mobile threat prevention and analysis.
- As mobile devices become a prime battleground for cybercriminals, it's essential for users and organizations to be proactive in implementing security measures against a myriad of threats, such as WiFi man-in-the-middle attacks, malicious apps, and app-based threats, regardless of whether they use Android or iOS technology.
