Recently, Verizon Business unveiled its 2024 Mobile Security Index (MSI) report, highlighting the primary threats to mobile and IoT device security. Now in its seventh edition, this year’s report expands beyond employee-level mobile usage to encompass the utilisation of IoT devices and sensors. It examines the security challenges posed by the increasing adoption of these devices, particularly as remote work continues to be prevalent. This broader perspective on mobile security concerns reflects the evolving threat landscape that CIOs and IT decision-makers must navigate.
As reliance on mobile devices intensifies, so do the associated risks, especially within critical infrastructure sectors, where the impact of security breaches can be severe. The 2024 MSI, which surveyed 600 individuals responsible for security strategy, policy, and management, underscores this point.
The survey reveals that employees are increasingly using mobile and IoT devices, leading to heightened cyber risks. Notably, 80% of respondents regard mobile devices as crucial to their operations, while 95% actively employ IoT devices. However, this dependence brings significant security challenges. In critical infrastructure sectors, 96% of respondents report using IoT devices, with more than half experiencing severe security incidents resulting in data loss or system downtime.
“These findings highlight the continued friction that employers face as more and more work is done on personal mobile devices,” said Phil Hochmuth Research VP, of enterprise mobility at IDC. “This is why we are seeing more and more employers move from a pure bring-your-own-device model to employer-provided devices where CIOs can have greater governance to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.”
Additionally, Hochmuth advocates for the adoption of robust frameworks such as Zero Trust and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) 2.0, along with compliance with mandates like the European Union’s NIS2 Directive.
Emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are anticipated to exacerbate the mobile threat landscape, yet they also offer defensive opportunities. An alarming 77% of respondents expect AI-assisted attacks, such as deepfakes and SMS phishing, to succeed. Simultaneously, 88% of respondents in critical infrastructure sectors recognise the growing importance of AI-assisted cybersecurity solutions.
With the increasing deployment of IoT devices, companies’ digital landscapes are evolving, necessitating corresponding advancements in cybersecurity strategies.
“The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is giving rise to a massive expansion in mobile device technology that goes well beyond phones, tablets and laptops. Enterprise networks now include all sorts of sensors and purpose-built devices that monitor, measure, manage and control commercial tasks and data flow,” said TJ Fox, SVP of Industrial IoT and Automotive, Verizon Business. “That IIoT growth brings with it a proportionate need for more knowledge, awareness and IT solutions to ensure the security of those increasingly sophisticated networks. The growing importance that IoT plays in our customer’s technology ecosystem underscores why it should be a component in any sound cybersecurity program.”
The 2024 MSI provides essential insights for business leaders across all sectors, emphasising the urgent need for robust security measures as mobile and IoT threats rise. In response to these threats, 84% of respondents have increased their mobile device security spending over the past year, with 89% of critical infrastructure respondents planning further increases.
This year’s MSI features contributions from Verizon’s partners, including Ivanti, Lookout, and Jamf, among others. To reduce cyber risks, organisations should deploy comprehensive security protections, provide continuous employee education, and implement advanced threat detection capabilities. For more information on best practices, read the Verizon Business 2024 Mobile Security Index.
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