Smartphones in the crosshairs: current threats for Android and iOS devices

Today, our smartphones contain practically our entire lives: banking apps, photos, passwords, private conversations, crypto wallets… the list just goes on. With so much important data, it’s no surprise that the number of mobile cybersecurity threats has been growing over the years.

In this post, we’ve gathered our articles on malware targeting iOS and Android, as well as critical vulnerabilities that pose serious risks to mobile phone users. All our blogposts also include practical cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe.

There’s a common misconception that iOS is a “safe operating system” and therefore immune to malware. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Some of the world’s most advanced malware and spyware is built specifically for iOS devices. Thus, sophisticated exploits and various malware may end up in the hands of cyberattackers hunting for your passwords, messages, location data, private media, and much more. Furthermore, apps infected with trojans and stealers often mimic useful tools and still appear in the App Store. The articles below are an essential read for all iOS users who want to stay safe:

To use iOS products with peace of mind and without constantly worrying about potential malware, we recommend installing Kaspersky for iOS.

We’ve also covered more sophisticated cases:

Mobile threats targeting Android devices continue to grow, with cybercriminals spreading malware through messengers, phishing pages, and unofficial app sources. Risks have also grown alongside sideloading, which is when users install APK files outside of Google Play and other official stores. Moreover, attackers are constantly evolving their tools and keeping up with current trends, including technologies such as NFC-based payments.

At the same time, installing apps directly from Google Play doesn’t eliminate the risk. Malicious apps regularly make their way into the store by pretending to be normal utilities apps – sometimes staying online long enough to infect thousands of users before being removed.

One of the biggest threats to Android users today is banking trojans. In 2025, attacks targeting mobile banking users jumped by 56% compared to the previous year.

More on current Android threats and security tips here:

For comprehensive protection, we recommend Kaspersky for Android. In addition to all the core features for defending against malware, suspicious device connections, and phishing, our Android solution can also scan notifications and messages for malicious links. Learn how to install Kaspersky apps on Android here.

• Use Kaspersky for Mobile. Our protection not only neutralizes malware but also uses AI-powered scam protection that helps detect phishing and spam, and alerts and prevents access to unsafe websites. Additionally, it notifies you if unknown devices attempt to connect to your home network. Our security suite, Kaspersky Premium, is available on both iOS and Android. You can read more about how to officially download our Android apps here. If you use multiple devices with different operating systems, consider switching to Kaspersky Premium, which lets you protect up to 10 devices, including tablets and personal computers.
• Always keep your operating system up to date. Malware often targets users who neglect important updates that fix bugs and critical vulnerabilities.
• Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your phone. While this may seem appealing since it enables customization, it also removes many of the built-in security protections designed to keep your device safe. Modified devices are far more vulnerable to malware, spyware, malicious APKs and unauthorized access.
• Use passcodes and Touch/Face ID for authentication. If your phone is lost, stolen, or temporarily left unattended, biometric authentication and strong passcodes make it much harder for attackers to bypass security protections. Avoid using simple PINs such as “1234” or birth years, and enable automatic screen lock. Kaspersky for Android provides an anti-theft feature to locate, lock, or wipe your device remotely in case of loss or theft.

• Regularly check app permissions. Don’t grant apps unnecessary access to your camera, microphone, location, and contacts. Kaspersky for Android‘s Permissions Control feature helps with this.
• Avoid opening suspicious links or attachments, and don’t visit websites with insecure connection. Some types of malware can infect your device simply through opening a webpage, without requiring any clicks.
• Stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity threats and emerging attack techniques by reading our blog, where we share research, updates, and practical recommendations that are easy to follow.