Safe Communication Using Mobile Phones

As advanced as we are today in terms of global connectivity and as fast as information is passed through various channels. It is more important today than ever before to ensure secure mobile communication. Cyber security firm Wisdiam has reported a rise in the number and sophistication of cyber threats aimed at telecoms in recent years.

“Whilst not the result of a cyber attack, the total Optus outage of 2023 in Australia resulted in several hundred 000 calls failing, highlighting the real-world consequences that can occur when telecommunications services fail. 000 in Australia is the equivalent to 911, 112, and 999 calls in other jurisdictions.
Data breaches and service failures undermine customer trust and tarnish reputations at a minimum, leading to loss of future customer revenue, on top of out of pocket recovery expenses. At worst they can result in loss of life.”, Wisdiam

Mobile communications, as a technology, has presented itself as capable of dealing with cyber threats to individual and organizational interactions. Be it simple phishing or even major data breaches, the message content is always vulnerable. Since mobile phones are almost inseparable parts of our daily lives and may contain important data that contribute to work-related tasks, learning about these risks and ways to exclude them is valuable for protecting data.

Main Threats to Online Communication

Technological advancement has brought everything nearly to our fingertips, but security risks threaten our communication. Some of the most prevalent threats include:

• Phishing

Phishing is an uncomplicated type of cybercriminal activity in which threats pose as reputable entities to encourage individuals to disclose data such as passwords, credit card numbers, etc. It is executed through links sent via SMS or applications that mimic genuine apps; they promise not to be threats, yet they are.

• Hacking

Mobile phones, like any other device operated through electronic systems, are prone to hacking. Mobile malware can be either remotely installed onto a user’s phone or a hacker may find a way around the security of the actual operating system. It can enable the attacker to take control over the device from a distance as well as listen to and record all communication and use malware to steal personal information.

• Message Interception

Intercepting mobile communications is yet another scar, particularly through unencrypted ones, and is another major risk. In this form of threat, a third party can access the content of a message exchange between two users and change information or capture unauthorized data from the communication path. This is usually conducted on public Wi-Fi networks. Phishing attacks are also common through compromised mobile service providers.

• Data Breaches

A cyber security breach happens when an element that is not authorized accesses data that is stored by companies or individuals. In mobile communication, this could mean anything from getting to chat logs. Only an individual would have access to taking business records that no one else should. More and more organizations are taking risks with their business information and storing it in the cloud. The danger to the latter only increases.

Ways to Counteract These Threats

Luckily, there are several ways to safeguard against these common security risks, and many of them are straightforward and accessible to all users:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): In my opinion, the most obvious yet straightforward prerequisite toward safeguarding your communications entails using 2FA on your accounts. This increased layer of protection can only permit access to information for which one has identified himself or herself, utilizing two forms of identification, reducing the incidence of hacking.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: One should always make sure they have a hard and separate password for every account. Passwords have to be lengthy, should consist of alphabets, numbers, and symbols, and must be replaced on a frequent basis.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Internet connection in most public areas is widely considered unsafe. Do not share any confidential data over an open Wi-Fi network. If you need to use such networks, you should try to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that encrypts your communications.

Regularly Update Software: Programs and application software released later in the series may have additional security fixes for weak points in your device's operating system. Always ensure that your OS is well updated, as is any application you may be using, to minimize cases of hacking, among other cyber crimes.

Be Cautious of Suspicious Messages: Do not access links from unknown sources or download apps that come from the unknown sources. Most phishing scams and malware downloads occur with friendly appearing message or application download alerts.

Using Secure Messaging Apps or Custom Software

In the context of the security of your communications, there is nothing better than to use secure messaging apps. These applications have end-to-end encryption, which means that the message will only be accessible by the intended receiver. Below are three of the top secure messaging apps available today:

1. Signal

Signal is often described as one of the most safe instant messengers. It’s fully encrypted and doesn’t save any information about its users. In case the communication is intercepted, even by government spies, then the data cannot be understood.

2. Telegram (Secret Chats)

To note, there are basic features to perform simple inter-personal messaging as well as an option, ‘Secret Chat,’ which uses end to end. Secret chats are fully saved only on the devices used in case of the conversation, which contributes to the security of such communication.

3. WhatsApp

As a product of the Meta company, WhatsApp has enabled end to end encryption to all messages by default. This is true; even WhatsApp cannot read the content of users’ interactions with each other.

While these messaging apps provide excellent security features, many businesses and individuals seeking even higher levels of control and customization may prefer to develop their own secure communication software. Creating custom apps allows you to implement specific security protocols, monitor communication flow, and manage access points more effectively. If you're interested in this option, companies like overcode offer expertise to develop customized security solutions for businesses that fit your needs.

Using Secure Networks

With secure apps, however, the safety of your communication also lies with the network you use. An effective procedure is to use a secure network when it is still being transmitted to avoid hacking and alteration. Indeed, one of the services that might be of interest in this field is Really, which provides secure mobile networks aimed at shielding users from various threats from public networks. This service guarantees that all messages are protected from encoding and cannot interfere with or manipulate them. You are also saving yourself from increased risks of leakage to attackers since you have chosen a reliable service from which to send messages.

Tips for Protecting Your Communications

Finally, here are some additional tips for protecting your mobile communications:

• Avoid Over-Sharing

It is important to consider what is communicated through mobile communications technology because it can be an open platform. The idea is that the less valuable data you send over the Internet, the reduced odds the information will be intercepted.

• Regularly Audit Your Apps

Take your time, at least once in a while, to check out the various apps that are already installed on the phone. If there are apps you don’t use, delete them, especially if they ask for permission to access your contacts or your location.

• Lock Your Phone

It also means that your phone should always be locked with a PIN, password, or biometric lock. This will prevent any unauthorized person from gaining access to your communication if, for instance, your phone gets stolen.

• Use Encrypted Email Services

If you mostly share classified data through email, then consider using the encrypted email services like ProtonMail or Tutanota. These services also guarantee the privacy of your emails, whether the recipient’s email service provider is different from yours.

• Always Turn off Bluetooth and NFC When not in use.

Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication) are the easiest pathways through which hackers can penetrate your phone. Be sure to turn off these features every time you are not using them.

• All organizations need to have regular security audits.

The last among the repercussions that a business is most likely going to face is that regular security audits will aid in indentifying gaps in the business’s communication. This will enable you to fix any gap which has been discovered by hackers before they begin exploiting it.