#USA #Dallas #Cybersecurity #Zimperium #Mobile Threats

Escalation of Mobile Cyber Threats During Summer Travel

As we move deeper into the summer of 2025, Zimperium, a leading figure in the realm of mobile security, has raised crucial warnings about the upsurge in mobile cyber threats that accompany the annual travel season. With more than 5 million unsecured public Wi-Fi networks identified globally, a concerning 33% of users continue to connect to these networks despite the obvious risks, leaving enterprise data in jeopardy.

According to Kern Smith, VP of Global Solutions at Zimperium, mobile devices have become a primary gateway to corporate information. However, during travel, these devices often become the most susceptible to attacks. The combination of exposed Wi-Fi networks, deceptive phishing scams masquerading as travel updates, and the download of dubious apps creates a fertile ground for cybercriminal activities, particularly in peak travel months.

Rising Threat Landscape: Hotspots of Concern

The emerging threat landscape is particularly alarming in Southeast Asia, where Zimperium's research indicates a significant increase in mobile malware, with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines showing particularly high infection rates. Surprisingly, Luxembourg has emerged as a global hotspot where mobile malware is increasingly targeting international travelers and corporate devices.

Stateside, cities including Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Miami, and Seattle are experiencing a similar uptick in mobile threats. This rise is attributed to the influx of business and leisure travelers, high mobile device usage, and the widespread availability of unsecured networks. For enterprises with a mobile workforce, this trend signifies a mounting risk of data exposure and potential breaches.

The Emergence of Mobile-First Attack Strategies

Further insights from the Zimperium 2025 Global Mobile Threat Report reveal that attackers are transitioning to a mobile-first approach for their operations. The predominant threats facing travelling employees include:

• - Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks executed through public or rogue Wi-Fi.
• - Phishing attacks disguised as travel alerts, featuring counterfeit itineraries or boarding passes.
• - Sideloading of risky apps, which can often bypass security protocols during travel.
• - Captive portals which may collect personal information, such as emails or phone numbers, thereby amplifying phishing risks.

Kern Smith stresses that these dangers are not mere scenarios; they are happening in real-time, targeting devices that often lack even the most basic of security measures.

A Call to Action for Businesses

In light of these evolving threats, Zimperium strongly advises companies to enhance their visibility into all mobile endpoints, enforce device compliance, and obstruct connections to unsecured networks. Adopting an enterprise-grade mobile threat defense strategy is vital for safeguarding employee devices during travel.

To delve deeper into protective measures for mobile devices while on the go, interested parties can check Zimperium's Summer Travel Blog at www.zimperium.com.

About Zimperium

Zimperium stands at the forefront of mobile security, uniquely designed for mobile environments. They offer unmatched protection for mobile applications and devices by utilizing AI-driven, autonomous security methods to combat threats including mobile-targeted phishing (commonly referred to as mishing), malware, app vulnerabilities, and zero-day exploits. In response to the shift in cybercriminal strategies towards mobile-focused attacks, Zimperium enables organizations to stay ahead with proactive and comprehensive security solutions for the mobile devices critical to their operations. Based in Dallas, Texas, Zimperium is supported by Liberty Strategic Capital and SoftBank.

For further information on securing mobile devices during travel, visit www.zimperium.com.