FEATURE
Another growing
problem is that
both the malware
and criminals’
techniques are
becoming more
complex and
sophisticated.
Cyberscams
commitment to securing modern (e.g.
iOS, Android) endpoints and operating
systems, as it brings innovation to
its portfolio that addresses this vital
security need.
Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Sales
Director at Fortinet in South Africa,
has highlighted mobile threats as one
of the modern cyberscams targeting
organisations, alongside phishing, spear
phishing, baiting, tech support and IoT
scams. Mobile devices are also being
increasingly targeted by criminal scams.
Fake applications used to mine for data
or ransomware are widely available,
especially for Android operating systems.
Avoid malware masquerading as
legitimate applications and updates:
A growing number of fake applications
are available from third-party app
stores (e.g. Apkmonk). In addition,
implants and updates that exploit
applications and devices also abound
(such as cryptojacking malware). Also
be wary of apps requesting unneeded
permissions (e.g. Device Admin and
SMS exploits, etc.)
Use secure Wi-Fi: Be mindful of free
Wi-Fi. Public spaces and shops offering
free Wi-F connections are common
locations for man-in-the-middle attacks
where criminals will often broadcast the
availability of Wi-Fi services and then use
them to capture data. When using public
Wi-Fi, use VPN connections and avoid
sensitive transactions. Many mobile apps
are also programmed to automatically
connect to known connections, so
cybercriminals often use common Wi-Fi
50
Appthority’s technology will be built
into SEP Mobile, further enhancing
Symantec’s ability to protect the
broadest spectrum of modern endpoints
and operating systems.
Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Sales Director
at Fortinet in South Africa
SSIDs, such as ‘Home Network’ to trick
devices into automatically connecting
without requiring any user input.
Symantec acquires Appthority to
enhance protection from mobile
application vulnerabilities
Following Symantec’s acquisition of
Appthority, a privately held company that
offers comprehensive mobile application
security analysis, the company’s
customers will have the critical ability to
analyse mobile apps for both malicious
capabilities and unsafe and unwanted
behaviours, such as vulnerabilities,
risk of sensitive data loss and privacy-
invasive actions.
The acquisition of Appthority
demonstrates Symantec’s continued
With its integrated cyberdefence
platform, Symantec offers solutions
that can protect modern and traditional
endpoints (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iO
and Android) at the device, application,
network, identity and cloud layers.
“Mobile apps are a critical threat vector
that every company must address
to protect their enterprise security,”
said Adi Sharabani, SVP, Modern OS
Security. “The Appthority technology
extends SEP Mobile’s capabilities in
limiting unwanted app behaviours,
supporting regulatory compliance and
assessing vulnerabilities.”
Domingo J Guerra, Appthority Co-
founder, said: “Mobile users increase
the enterprise attack surface with
each app they install. This acquisition
unites Appthority with Symantec’s
comprehensive endpoint security
portfolio, which is the first solution on the
market that can protect all traditional and
modern endpoints and now apps.” u
Issue 08
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