Dive Brief:
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The number of enterprise iOS devices that contain malicious apps has tripled since the third quarter of 2016, according to a new report released Tuesday by Skycure, reports On the Wire.
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Skycure data also revealed attacks on iOS devices are outpacing attacks on Android devices for the first time. The frequency of iOS attacks has accelerated since 2015.
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Apple iOS is known for its stringent security. The recent increase in attacks primarily has to do with how often hackers are attempting to infiltrate iOS devices, not with the security of iOS, Yair Amit, co-founder and CTO of Skycure, told On the Wire.
Dive Insight:
As enterprises employ more mobile workers, the security of mobile devices becomes more critical. Because mobile phones often operate outside of the range of a virtual corporate network and are fully controlled by employees, they are much more difficult to protect than computers used within a traditional office. In some cases, finding a way into a corporate network via a mobile device can give hackers the "keys to the kingdom."
In a recent Citrix/Ponemon Institute survey more than 70% of IT leaders cited being at risk because they lack ability to oversee employees' devices.
As hackers become more adept at breaking into mobile devices, companies are looking for ways to better protect themselves. Ensuring software is kept up to date and patches are installed can help. Some companies are also investing in mobile device management (MDM). The MDM market is expected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2016 to $5.5 billion in 2021, according to a recent report from Markets&Markets.
