Mobile malware

Mobile malware refers to a type of harmful software designed to gain access to mobile phones and tablets via ads or apps aimed at stealing sensitive data, misusing device functions, holding a device ransom, and even generating fake traffic.

What is mobile malware?

Malware is a commonly known threat to desktop operating systems. However, as more and more users stream towards a mobile-first reality, hackers, criminals, and fraudsters follow them, attacking mobile devices instead.

While there are many types of mobile malware, it’s most generally defined as malicious and harmful programs downloaded to a user’s device without their knowledge.

How mobile malware works

Mobile malware is code running on unsuspecting users’ mobile devices.

Though some mobile malware is pre-installed on phones (often by low-end manufacturers), most mobile malware arrives on devices via apps, particularly apps downloaded from third-party app stores or side-loaded onto devices.

Malware is used to steal sensitive data, misuse device functions, or hold the device ransom, and it can also be used to generate fraudulent traffic.

Why does mobile malware matter?

Mobile malware is particularly interesting to mobile marketers, as mobile malware is key to perpetrating both click hijacking and install hijacking.