The festive season is, for most of us, a time of joy – carols playing in the background, shopping for Christmas gifts, and the aroma of freshly baked treats filling our homes. It’s a time to focus on family and loved ones, creating a warm and cheerful holiday atmosphere. Unfortunately, this magical period also acts as a magnet for cybercriminals, who ramp up their activities. While most people are thinking about how to bring joy to those closest to them, some “entrepreneurial individuals” are busy making their own wish lists. These lists often include your sensitive data. These attackers rely on users’ carelessness and lack of attention, making it easier for them to exploit information for their own gain.
Cybersecurity in the real world
We recently encountered a case that initially seemed like routine support. A user had lost access to their account, and our experienced team treated it as a minor issue. However, the reality quickly proved otherwise—it turned out to be a sophisticated attack. This incident served as a stark reminder that even robust security measures can have their weaknesses.
How could an attacker breach even strong security measures?
At first glance, the account appeared to be almost perfectly protected:
- with multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- a strong password
- carefully configured security rules
Still, a successful breach occurred. Upon closer examination, we discovered that the key to the problem wasn’t within the account itself – it lay in the user’s mobile device. This is where the story begins, uncovering an unexpected vulnerability. What was it? Read on to find out.
From an innocent-looking app to a targeted attack
- An innocent-looking app – the user downloaded a seemingly normal application that requested extensive permissions.
- Automatic approvals – like many of us, the user agreed to all permissions without much scrutiny.
- Full device access – the app gained access to SMS messages, notifications, and system permissions.
- Silent monitoring – the attacker patiently waited for several weeks, observing behavior and mapping activity.
- Targeted attack – after collecting the data, the attacker attempted to take over the account.
What can you do to improve your security?
Cybersecurity is not a one-time task you can check off your to-do list; it’s an ongoing process. It’s more like a marathon than a sprint, requiring consistent attention, regular maintenance, and continuous improvement. If you want to minimize the risks of cyberattacks, focus on these three key measures that can significantly enhance the protection of your data and accounts:
1.Regular permission audits
- Review app permissions every three months.
- Remove any permissions you don’t need and uninstall unused apps.
2.Advanced MFA
- Use security keys or authentication apps instead of SMS.
- Enable notifications for logins from new devices.
3.Prevention and education
- Install apps only from official sources.
- Read reviews and ratings before downloading.
- Document important changes to your settings.
This case showed us that attacks don’t always rely on the technical skills of the attackers. Sometimes, patience and our own complacency are enough. Cybersecurity demands consistency, vigilance, and regular maintenance. Investing in your digital protection pays off far more than any Black Friday deal ever could.
Before you decide to download any app onto your mobile or tablet, take a moment to consider whether you truly need it, verify the publisher, and ask yourself a few key questions. What questions?
Five questions to ask before granting an app access
- Why does the app require specific permissions?
- Is the app developer verified and trustworthy?
- Does the app come from an official store?
- Do the requested permissions match the app’s stated functionality?
- What permissions does the app actually need to function?
