A recent report from Zimperium zLabs has revealed a disturbing trend in the mobile technology landscape: nearly 50% of mobile devices worldwide are running on outdated or obsolete operating systems. This poses a serious security risk, as these devices are left vulnerable to the ever-evolving array of cyber threats in today’s digital landscape.
The situation is particularly concerning given the widespread use of certain operating systems. Of those outdated devices, over half are running on Android, the mobile operating system developed and owned by Google. The remaining 40% of devices are powered by iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system. Both Android and iOS are highly popular, with billions of devices in circulation, yet many users fail to update their devices regularly, leaving them exposed to cyberattacks.
Even more alarming, security analysts have pointed out a growing trend where cybercriminals are increasingly collaborating with smaller, less-established Chinese tech companies to infiltrate mobile hardware and software through the supply chain. This often involves compromising both the physical components of the device as well as the software that runs on it. In many cases, malicious actors inject harmful code into the devices through sideloaded applications, which are apps installed from sources other than official app stores. These apps can carry malware or other malicious code that compromises the device’s security, putting user data and applications at significant risk.
The Zimperium 2025 Mobile Threat Report further highlights a concerning shift in the tactics of cybercriminals, noting that mobile devices are becoming the primary attack vector for hackers targeting enterprise networks. While organizations increasingly rely on mobile technology to boost productivity and customer engagement, this shift also creates a new attack surface that cybercriminals can exploit. As companies integrate mobile apps into their daily operations—whether to manage internal workflows or to engage customers—they unwittingly expose themselves to a multitude of vulnerabilities.
The dilemma faced by businesses today is a challenging one: as mobile devices become more central to both employee and customer interactions, the risk of attack grows. Reducing the mobile attack surface is no easy feat, especially with the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the constant need for updates and patches to stay ahead of evolving threats. The reliance on mobile apps, coupled with the prevalence of outdated software, has made it increasingly difficult for businesses to safeguard their systems from cybercriminals.
In summary, while mobile technology plays an essential role in modern business operations, it also presents a significant security challenge. The growing trend of outdated operating systems, coupled with the rise in mobile-based cyberattacks, underscores the need for both individuals and organizations to prioritize mobile security as part of their overall cybersecurity strategy.
Ad
