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In the last decade, the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices has revolutionized the way we interact with the digital world. The debate between the mobile web and native apps has become increasingly relevant, with each approach offering unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between implementing a mobile website or a native app depends largely on your end goals. Each possesses key attributes and functions that can affect not only user experience but also online safety.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between mobile web and native apps, with a particular emphasis on how each can impact your online safety. The objective here is to arm you with knowledge to make informed decisions regarding your digital path. Let’s delve deeper into these two digital mediums, analyze their features, and look at a critical aspect – online safety in the era of increasing cyber threats.
As smartphones and tablets have proliferated, so has the importance of optimizing web content for these portable platforms. Understanding the mobile web involves delving into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by mobile devices, exploring the ways in which users engage with content on smaller screens, and recognizing the impact of mobile technology on the broader digital landscape.
→ Dig Deeper: How the Proliferation of Mobile Devices is Impacting Consumer Security
The mobile web refers to browser-based internet services accessed from handheld mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, through a mobile or other wireless network. Essentially, it’s a website that you access through a web browser on your mobile device. These sites are typically written in HTML5 and can display text content, images, video, and data just like any desktop website.
Mobile websites are designed to work on any device, making them universally accessible. They are responsive by nature, meaning they adjust their layout to fit any screen size. This is a significant advantage to businesses as it allows for a broader audience reach, regardless of the device a consumer uses.
McAfee Pro Tip: While you may be familiar with anti-spyware and antivirus tools that react after a threat emerges, opting for a secure browsing tool is optimal for enhancing your web security. Learn more about safe browsing.
One of the standout features of the mobile web is its universal accessibility. A user can access the mobile web from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. This creates a high level of convenience as there’s no need for downloading or installing anything.
→ Dig Deeper: Celebrate National Download Day With This Safe Downloading Checklist
Another major advantage of mobile web is easy updates. Changes to the content or design of a mobile website can be published instantly and are immediately visible to users. This is a significant boon for businesses that need to make frequent updates to their site, ensuring their audience always has the most current information at their fingertips.
Now, let’s explore what constitutes a native app that lays the foundation for understanding its distinct characteristics, advantages, and limitations compared to mobile apps.
Native apps are applications developed for specific platforms or devices. Because they’re built for a particular operating system, they can take full advantage of all the device features — they can use the camera, the GPS, the accelerometer, the compass, the list of contacts, and so on. They also incorporate gestures – either standard operating-system gestures or new, app-defined gestures.
Besides, native apps can use the device’s notification system and can work offline. They also have direct access to application stores, which makes app distribution easier. As they are tailored to the platform, they have the look and feel of the operating system, leading to better performance and a better user experience overall.
Native apps offer a high degree of reliability and fast performance. They are more efficient as they store their data directly on the device. This leads to a better user experience as users can navigate the app smoothly and without loading delays. Moreover, native apps allow for deeper integration with the device’s system, making maximum use of all the device’s hardware capabilities.
Another key advantage is the ability to work offline. Unlike mobile websites that require an internet connection, native apps can function offline, providing continuous access to their content and features. This can prove useful in situations where connectivity is limited or unavailable.
Taking a closer look at mobile web and native apps, it’s evident that each method caters to different needs and situations. While the mobile web is universally accessible and easy to update, native apps provide a more integrated user experience and the ability to work offline. Depending on the nature of your digital project, you may lean towards one over the other.
It’s essential to consider the nature of your project, target audience, and key objectives before choosing between a mobile website or a native app. In the next section, we will cover a crucial topic that significantly impacts the decision between these two mediums – online safety.
Figuring out whether to go for the Mobile Web or Native Apps is a real head-scratcher. And let’s be real: we’ve all got safety concerns while cruising the digital highway. This dive is about checking out what’s what when it comes to staying safe online with the mobile web and native apps.
When it comes to online safety, the mobile web offers quite a few advantages and some risks as well. Since mobile websites are accessed via browsers, they are generally subject to the same security measures that web browsers employ. Browsers are being updated regularly to fix bugs and respond to new threats, and they also typically include features like pop-up blockers and phishing filters. Moreover, since users don’t need to download anything to use a mobile website, the risk of downloading malicious software is significantly reduced.
However, the mobile web is not exempt from threats. Cybercriminals can create rogue websites that look like legitimate sites to trick users into entering their credentials or personal information. Users might also encounter malicious ads that try to install unwanted software or direct users to harmful websites. Therefore, users must exercise caution when visiting new websites and clicking on links.
Native apps, on the other hand, offer a different set of security considerations. Since they are downloaded from app stores, they generally go through an approval process that aims to remove any malicious software. App stores also often provide user reviews, which can give potential downloaders insight into any potential issues or security concerns. Once downloaded, native apps can function offline, reducing the risk of threats that rely on internet connectivity.
Nonetheless, native apps are not free from risks either. Although app stores have vetting processes, some malicious apps manage to slip through the cracks. Furthermore, users may unintentionally grant permissions to apps that allow them access to sensitive information on the device. Therefore, users need to be careful about what apps they download and what permissions they grant.
Understanding the unique risks and protective measures associated with each app and platform is crucial in empowering users to make informed choices and ensuring the integrity of their digital experiences. Let’s shed light on the considerations that may arise when engaging with the mobile web and native apps in an increasingly interconnected world.
There are several measures users can take to enhance their safety when using the mobile web. First and foremost, it’s crucial to use a secure browser. A secure browser will utilize encryption to protect your data and will receive updates to combat new security threats. Additionally, users should be wary of the websites they visit and the links they click on. Ensuring that the website is using secure HTTPS protocol rather than unsecured HTTP can also enhance safety.
Furthermore, users should be careful with providing personal information. Giving out sensitive information should only be done on secure sites, and only when necessary. Using strong and unique passwords can also help protect your data. Finally, consider using a trusted VPN to encrypt your online activity and shield your data from potential eavesdroppers or hackers.
Just as with the mobile web, there are precautions to take when using native apps. Firstly, download apps only from trusted sources, like official app stores. Even then, be sure to check user ratings and reviews for any red flags. Be cautious of the permissions the app asks for; if an app requests permissions that seem unrelated to its functionality, it’s best to reconsider the download.
It’s also important to keep your apps updated. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered threats. For extra security, consider using a mobile security app. These apps can provide features like virus scanning, remote data wiping, and other security tools. However, similar to other apps, only download security apps from trusted sources.
→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important
Both the mobile web and native apps offer unique advantages in terms of user experience and accessibility. However, they both also come with their own sets of security considerations. It’s not a matter of which method is inherently safer, but how you use them. By staying informed about potential threats and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and secure digital experience whether you’re browsing the mobile web or using a native app.
Remember: Keep your browsers and apps updated, be cautious of the websites you visit and the apps you download, pay attention to the information you share and permissions you grant, and consider using additional security tools like secure browsers, VPNs, and security apps. At the end of the day, your online safety is in your hands.
The post The Mobile Web vs. Native Apps appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Happy National App Day! No, we don’t mean apps of the mozzarella stick and potato skin variety, but your mobile apps that let you order dinner, hail a taxi, stay connected to your friends, and entertain you for hours with silly videos. While they’re undoubtedly useful, mobile apps are also a weak spot in some people’s digital safety. Cybercriminals take every chance they get to trick people through all kinds of technology, and mobile apps are no exception.
To celebrate National App Day, here are a few tips to keep your mobile and your personally identifiable information (PII) safe.
Did you know that there are hundreds of apps on the Android and Apple app stores whose only aim is to steal your passwords? In 2022, Meta identified more than 400 fake apps disguised as various utilities that targeted users to weasel Facebook login and password combinations.1 Malicious apps also regularly masquerade as photo editors and wallpapers but their real purpose is to run malware in the background of the mobile device, such as this Squid Game app from 2021.
Little-known apps aren’t the only ones you have to be wary of either. The biggest companies are also falling to cybercrime. For instance, more details recently came to light about a breach at Uber that leaked the PII of 57 million users. Plus, the popular mobile payment service, Cash App had the personal details of 8.3 million current and former users leaked.2
To keep your cellphone free of malicious software and your PII and password secure, take these five mobile security tips with you into the new year.
The new year is as good a time as any to unload any unnecessary baggage, emotional, literal, or in this case, digital. Go through your phone and delete the apps you haven’t used in the last six months. Make sure to completely delete your account with that app and not just hide it from your homepage. The smaller your digital footprint, the less at risk your PII is of being compromised in a breach.
Before you download any new app, it’s a good idea to conduct some background research on it. How many detailed reviews does it have? Who is the app developer? A phony app usually reveals itself through its lack of reviews. Consider apps with less than 50 reviews fishy. Skim the reviews for specific details and typos. If it’s lacking in detail but brimming with typos and grammatical mistakes, it could signal a fake. This research should take about five minutes, so don’t worry; it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience, and that time will be well spent.
Just like it’s a good idea to keep on top of global news, set up news alerts for cybersecurity breaches. If a company falls to a cybercriminal, the alert will give you the valuable time you need to act quickly to either delete your account or change your password.
For every online account, it is essential to create a unique password or passphrase. That way, if you do get hacked through an app or get tricked by a fake one, you don’t have to worry about cybercriminals using that password to walk into your other accounts. Password managers are an excellent way to keep all your passwords secure and free up your brain space for things other than dozens of passwords.
When you sign up for a new app, you can expect to give it a username, a password, and maybe your first name; however, if it has optional fields for your full birthday or your address, consider leaving those blank. The less information the company has about you, the less that can end up in cybercriminals’ hands if the app is breached.
The first step to better cyber habits is arming yourself with the knowledge of the threats that are out there. The best advice here is to slow down, observe and think about your next move every time you download a new app. The signs of a fake are usually not difficult to spot. Then, once you’re confident in its legitimacy, limit the amount of PII you share with it. In this digital world we live in, consider everyone susceptible to a breach.
To give you peace of mind, supplement your great habits with a tool, like McAfee+ Ultimate, that will cover all your bases and be your partner to live your best private life online.
1Tech.co, “Data Breaches That Have Happened in 2022 So Far.”
2Termly, “98 Biggest Data Breaches, Hacks, and Exposures.”
The post 2023’s Top 5 App Security Tips appeared first on McAfee Blog.
On March 3, 2020, the cyber division of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a private industry notification calling out Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams through exploitation of cloud-based email services. Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite, the two largest cloud-based email services, are targeted by cyber criminals based on FBI complaint information since 2014. The scams are initiated through credential phishing attacks in order to compromise business email accounts and request or misdirect transfers of funds. Between January 2014 and October 2019, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received complaints totaling over $2.1 billion in actual losses from BEC scams targeting the two cloud services. The popularity of Office 365 and G Suite has positioned themselves as attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Trend Micro Cloud App Security is an API-based service protecting Microsoft® Office 365, Google G Suite, Box, and Dropbox. Using multiple advanced threat protection techniques, it acts as a second layer of protection after emails and files have passed through Office 365 and G Suite’s built-in security.
In 2019, Trend Micro Cloud App Security caught 12.7 million high-risk email threats in addition to what Office 365 and Gmail security have blocked. Those threats include close to one million malware, 11.3 million phishing attempts, and 386,000 BEC attempts. The blocked threats include 4.8 million of credential phishing and 225,000 of ransomware. These are potential attacks that could result in an organization’s monetary, productivity, or even reputation losses.
Trend Micro started publishing its Cloud App Security threat report since 2018. For third year in a row, Trend Micro Cloud App Security is proven to provide effective protection for cloud email services. The following customer examples for different scenarios further show how Cloud App Security is protecting different organizations.
Customer examples: Additional detections after Office 365 built-in security (2019 data)
These five customers, ranging from 550 seats to 80K seats, are across different industries. All of them use E3, which includes basic security (Exchange Online Protection). This data shows the value of adding CAS to enhance Office 365 native security. For example, a transportation company with 80,000 Office 365 E3 users found an additional 16,000 malware, 510,000 malicious & phishing URLs and 27,000 BEC, all in 2019. With the average cost of a BEC attack at $75,000 each and the potential losses and costs to recover from credential phishing and ransomware attacks, Trend Micro Cloud App Security pays for itself very quickly.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (2019 data)
Customers using Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) also need an additional layer of filtering as well. For example, an IT Services company with 10,000 users of E3 and ATP detected an additional 14,000 malware, 713,000 malicious and phishing URLs, and 6,000 BEC in 2019 with Trend Micro Cloud App Security.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after third-party email gateway (2019 data)
Many customers use a third-party email gateway to scan emails before they are delivered to their Office 365 environment. Despite these gateway deployments, many of the sneakiest and hardest to detect threats still slipped though. Plus, a gateway solution can’t detect internal email threats, which can originate from compromised devices or accounts within Office 365.
For example, a business with 120,000 Office 365 users with a third-party email gateway stopped an additional 27,000 malware, 195,000 malicious and phishing emails, and almost 6,000 BEC in 2019 with Trend Micro Cloud App Security.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after Gmail built-in security (2019 data)
*Trend Micro Cloud App Security supports Gmail starting April 2019.
For customer choosing G suite, Trend Micro Cloud App Security can provide additional protection as well. For example, a telecommunication company with 12,500 users blocked almost 8,000 high risk threats with Cloud App Security in just five months.
Email gateway or built-in security for cloud email services is no longer enough to protect organizations from email-based threats. Businesses, no matter the size, are at risk from a plethora of dangers that these kinds of threats pose. Organizations should consider a comprehensive multilayered security solution such as Trend Micro Cloud App Security. It supplements the included security features in email and collaboration platforms like Office 365 and G Suite.
Check out the Trend Micro Cloud App Security Report 2019 to get more details on the type of threats blocked by this product and common email attacks analyzed by Trend Micro Research in 2019.
The post Trend Micro Cloud App Security Blocked 12.7 Million High-Risk Email Threats in 2019 – in addition to those detected by cloud email services’ built-in security appeared first on .
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