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Mobile security threats have reached a new level in 2025: AI-supported attacks, pre-installed malware and targeted industrial espionage via mobile devices pose an immediate threat to companies and private users. Anyone who uses Android or iOS devices - both for business and privately - should inform themselves about current risks and protective measures to avoid suffering economic damage.
Key points
- AI phishing Makes attacks more realistic and difficult to recognize
- Pre-installed malware threatens users as early as the device purchase stage
- Two-factor attacks about SIM swapping and smishing are increasing
- Company devices Often used with outdated software
- Vulnerability management determines the success of the attack
Why mobile devices are particularly at risk in 2025
Smartphones have long been more than just communication devices. They store Bank details, Passwords, Contacts and access company intranets - information that is worth hard cash to attackers. At the same time, many companies use these devices for two-factor authentication without central control over the models used. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is often implemented without any security precautions. I often find that old smartphones with known vulnerabilities remain active in a company's everyday life for a long time. Paradoxically, negligence when it comes to updates and security increases a company's own vulnerability.
One of the particular risks in 2025 is the sharp increase in the variety of devices: New manufacturers are entering the market, some with less stringent security standards. This leads to a confusing situation in which central IT departments often find it difficult to maintain a complete overview. Especially when employees use privately procured devices without coordination with corporate IT, this creates a massive attack surface. Attackers can exploit these gaps to access company data or disrupt critical services. Professional device and patch management, which regularly checks which devices are active in the network and which software versions they are using, is therefore becoming increasingly important.
Danger from mobile malware and spyware
In the first quarter of 2025, security experts recorded more than 180,000 new Android malware variants - an increase of 27 % compared to the previous quarter. Particularly dangerous is malware that is already pre-installed is supplied on devices. I see this threat more often in the low-cost segment without sufficient quality control. Legitimate apps can also be updated later with malicious code. These attacks are difficult to detect as they are hidden inconspicuously in the system processes. Anyone who installs apps outside official app stores or does not use a mobile security solution increases their risk considerably.
Another gateway is so-called "stalkerware" apps, which are used particularly in personal relationships, for example to spy on the victim. Their functions are similar to professional spyware: location data, call logs and messages can be read without the owner's knowledge. In 2025, such surveillance tools have an even more sophisticated disguise, as they disguise themselves as harmless-looking system apps. Users should keep a watchful eye here and look out for unusual device behavior, such as sudden battery consumption, unauthorized settings or increased data usage. A thorough check of installed apps and regular monitoring of system processes remain essential.
Zero-day vulnerabilities and outdated operating systems
Old devices, missing updates and unauthorized app installations create a massive attack surface. Even devices from major manufacturers will still be attacked in 2025, for example by Zero-day exploitsthat exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities. In many companies, there is no overview of which operating system versions are in use. According to a study, 55 % of smartphones used for business purposes are running vulnerable OS versions. Automated update management or at least regular manual checks are also strongly recommended for private individuals. For business-critical devices with BYOD access, the mobile device should be managed centrally.
The danger is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of mobile operating systems. Although additional functions, new interfaces and continuous networking via cloud services open up many convenience options, they also offer new areas of attack. In particular, major updates that close security gaps are often delayed by users. Companies, on the other hand, may prioritize other aspects such as compatibility with existing apps and therefore refrain from prompt updates. An automated test procedure is recommended here, in which new updates are tested in a secure test environment before they are rolled out company-wide.
Social engineering on a new level
Phishing messages sent via Messenger or SMS now look very authentic - such as fake PayPal payment alerts or parcel notifications. The combination of social engineering and artificial intelligence ensures that fraudulent messages appear personalized and realistic. According to surveys, around 25 % of all companies were victims of such attacks in 2024 and 2025. Particularly critical: 10 % of employees clicked on malicious links even though they had received training. Phishing via LinkedIn or WhatsApp is becoming a standard tactic because trust is feigned.
Countermeasures are only effective if they go beyond pure technology blocking. Regular awareness training, in which new fraud methods are explained, increases staff awareness. It is no longer enough to offer a short training course once a year: Attacks are evolving so rapidly that monthly or quarterly updates are advisable. At the same time, spam filters and AI-based detection tools should run in the background to act as an additional security barrier. This combination of human vigilance and technical protection successfully reduces the click-through rate on malicious links.
Vulnerabilities due to IoT and BYOD
Many organizations use mobile devices as a central control instrument for IoT systems, for example in building automation or manufacturing. But every unsafe device can become an entry point for the company network. IoT and BYOD devices are an attractive target for botnet attacks and data theft. Anyone who operates smart production systems without an MDM (mobile device management) solution, for example, risks production downtime and damage. I recommend only allowing privately owned devices in particular with clearly defined access and secure network segmentation. Detailed app guidelines, VPN access and secure authentication procedures help to minimize risks.
In addition, the security level of many IoT devices is extremely heterogeneous. Some sensors or actuators do not receive any firmware updates over a longer period of time, which opens up additional backdoors. Combining this problem with unsecured BYOD devices creates a potentially large-scale threat: Attackers could first gain access via an insecure IoT element and later move laterally to mobile end devices or internal servers. In this respect, it is also worthwhile clearly separating IoT networks from the rest of the company network. A network segmentation concept based on the principle of "as much isolation as necessary" minimizes the possibilities of propagation in the event of a successful attack.
Artificial intelligence - attack and defense
Criminals will use artificial intelligence in 2025 to Deepfakes and launch automatic attack campaigns. For example, video conferences can even be held with fake participants or CEO fraud can be carried out using deceptively real voice messages. At the same time, machine learning also enables defense strategies: Attacks can be fended off automatically using behavior-based filter technology and threat detection. Modern mobile endpoint security uses precisely these methods. Those who act proactively can counter the technical level of organized attackers.
The challenge, however, is that attackers are also constantly improving their AI models. Comprehensive data on user behaviour and company structures can be used to develop targeted attacks that are difficult for defence solutions to recognize as suspicious. Nevertheless, those who use AI-supported security systems and analysis tools themselves will gain a decisive advantage. AI-based anomaly detection can, for example, report unusual activities in real time as soon as a device suddenly transfers large amounts of data or unknown processes are initiated. It remains crucial that companies continuously update their security tools and conduct regular security audits to test the effectiveness of their AI solutions.
Smishing and SIM swapping: two-factor at risk
The misuse of SMS authentication will increase again in 2025. Fraudsters falsify parcel notifications or bank messages and redirect users to fake websites. Equally dangerous is SIM swappingwhich works by stealing the identity of the mobile phone provider. Once the new SIM card is activated, the attacker receives all 2FA codes via SMS. I now rely on authenticator apps or hardware tokens - many attackers don't have access to these. In future, companies should rely on methods that cannot be used if the phone number is compromised.
The combination of smishing and social engineering is also on the rise. Fraudsters disguise themselves as customer service employees who offer help with bank transactions or official matters. In many cases, a cleverly conducted phone call can lead to the victim disclosing relevant data. Companies that do not constantly train their employees in the day-to-day handling of security messages are seeing an increase in losses and data theft. To counteract this, companies should diversify their login procedures and not rely solely on SMS codes. Additional checks using security questions or an encrypted connection via an app provide effective protection against SIM swapping.
App risks in the iOS environment too
Android is often considered insecure, but iOS is not immune. In 2025, a vulnerability was discovered in third-party app stores that allowed apps with extended rights could read user data. That's why I only use official app stores and regularly check the permissions of installed apps. Opening up iOS to alternative app stores creates new attack vectors. Companies should define clear rules as to which apps are permitted - including blacklisting malicious applications. Mobile device management is essential here.
The opening of iOS in particular means that apps that previously existed in a kind of gray area could increasingly appear in reputable stores. This creates a false sense of security for some users because they assume that every app in a store has gone through certain checking mechanisms. In reality, however, attackers can find weaknesses in these checking processes in order to place malicious software for a short period of time. Automated monitoring of the apps in use, as well as regular security audits of the MDM solution, should therefore become a fixed routine. Those who thoroughly monitor the iOS app landscape can better ward off attacks and identify potential risk factors more quickly.
Zero Trust as a practicable protection strategy
Instead of fundamentally trusting devices or users, a different approach will apply in 2025: Zero Trust. Every access request is checked - regardless of whether it comes from internal or external sources. This concept significantly reduces risks in mobile scenarios. Solutions such as conditional access, role-based assignment of rights and multi-factor authentication are key components. If you would like to know more about this, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of Zero Trust Security in order to establish modern safety thinking in the company.
However, Zero Trust is not just a single product, but an entrepreneurial mindset: Every resource and every service must be secured separately. This means that even within a corporate network, not all areas can simply be accessed. For the mobile area, this means that even a company smartphone only receives the access required for its role. If an attempt is made to access a resource that is outside the role, the security system should sound an alarm. The procedure should also include continuously checking authorized devices to ensure that they are not compromised or rooted. This ensures that the security level remains permanently high.
Recommendations for companies and private users
I recommend the following measures to improve mobile security:
- Operating systems and apps Update regularly
- Only install apps from official stores
- Use mobile security solutions with behavior-based detection
- Train users regularly on phishing and social engineering
- Define clear guidelines for BYOD integration and VPN use
In addition, companies and private individuals should have clear emergency plans in place. It often turns out that although there are security measures in place in an emergency, nobody knows exactly who has to do what and when. An incident response plan that also covers the loss or compromise of a mobile device is therefore essential. This plan should include procedures on how to proceed in the event of successful SIM swapping or suspected spyware, for example. Regular simulations help to test these processes in practice and uncover weak points. This allows you to react quickly in an emergency without losing valuable time.
A differentiated view of threats: An overview
The following table shows typical types of attack and their preferred targets:
| Form of attack | Goal | Dissemination method |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing / Smishing | Private users, employees | Messenger, SMS, social media |
| Mobile malware | Android devices | Post-installation, pre-installed |
| Zero-day exploits | Obsolete devices | Manipulated websites, apps |
| SIM swapping | Two-factor access | Identity theft at the provider |
| Deepfakes / AI attacks | Decision maker | Fake audios / videos |
It should be added that certain attack methods can often be combined, which makes defense more difficult. For example, a social engineering attack can start with smishing to gather information first. The same attacker could then use zero-day exploits to penetrate deeper into the system. If you only focus on partial protection (e.g. anti-malware software), you neglect potential other vulnerabilities. A holistic strategy is therefore essential to protect against the broad spectrum of attack techniques.
Security as a competitive advantage - changing mindsets
I have seen security incidents paralyze entire business processes. Mobile devices must enjoy the same status as servers or workstations in 2025. Decision-makers must recognize that mobile security threats cause economic damage. Those who regularly train to use technical protection measures such as Current cybersecurity solutions and lives its security strategy creates trust. Every minute saved through automation in IT must not come at the expense of security.
Many companies now even see consistent IT security as a clear competitive advantage. Customers and business partners increasingly value secure processes and the protection of confidential data. Those who can prove that they meet high security standards - for example through certifications or regular penetration tests - enjoy an advantage of trust. Particularly in sensitive sectors such as finance or healthcare, a strong security culture can be a decisive factor in winning new customers or expanding existing partnerships.
Using mobile devices safely in the future
Mobile communication remains an essential part of digital work and everyday life. However, with the increase in networked systems, cloud tools and 5G, the potential for misuse is also increasing. Companies should consider the expansion of their infrastructure such as Designing 5G networks with determinationwithout neglecting security. The use of certified devices, a structured update process and the conscious handling of data are the key to secure mobile working. Those who take threats seriously in 2025 will remain competitive in the long term.
It is also worth taking a look beyond 2025 now. With the advance of 6G, immersive technologies and close-meshed IoT networking, completely new application scenarios are emerging - but also dangers. Augmented reality glasses and wearables, which are increasingly being paired with smartphones, could become the next target for malware. Here too, a well thought-out security concept will be required to ensure intelligent device and identity management. Ultimately, "using mobile devices securely" also means planning a combination of different measures: strong encryption, thorough access rights checks and vigilant security awareness on the part of everyone involved. This is the only way to effectively contain future risks.
