With summer travel at its peak, enterprise organizations face an increasing challenge: safeguarding mobile devices against a surge in cyber threats. As employees hit airports, hotels, and conference centers, their devices—essential for productivity—become potential targets for cybercriminals exploiting unsecured networks and app vulnerabilities.
Recent research from Zimperium’s 2025 Mobile Threat Report highlights a troubling trend: mobile threats are not only growing but also becoming more sophisticated. Attackers are shifting their tactics, using social engineering, malicious apps, rogue Wi-Fi hotspots, and app weaknesses to extract sensitive data. Nearly one-third of mobile threats stem from phishing—particularly via SMS—and many attacks are disguised as travel alerts or notifications.
Alarmingly, about 25% of enterprise devices have sideloaded apps from outside trusted sources, increasing exposure to hidden malware. Additionally, a quarter of devices can’t be updated to current operating systems, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
Since early this year, over five million unsecured public Wi-Fi networks have been identified globally. With a third of mobile users connecting to these networks during travel, the risk of interception and attack multiplies. Hackers often set up fake hotspots or exploit captive portals that request personal data, which can be used for future phishing or credential theft.
Regional Hotspots
Regions like Southeast Asia—particularly Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines—are experiencing a spike in mobile malware activity, driven by malicious links, sideloaded apps, and insecure networks. Even in Europe and the U.S., major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Miami face increased threats during peak travel periods. Cybercriminals target urban centers with dense mobile user populations, exploiting the high volume of unsecured connections.
Risks
A compromised mobile device can serve as an entry point for cyberattacks into corporate networks, risking data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage. During travel, when security controls are often relaxed, the risk amplifies—making it crucial for organizations to have visibility and protection measures in place.
To defend against these threats, organizations should:
- Maintain real-time visibility of all mobile endpoints
- Enforce strict device compliance and security policies
- Deploy advanced threat detection tools like Zimperium
- Educate employees on safe travel practices
- Restrict or secure connections to public Wi-Fi networks
Mobile threats don’t take vacations—they thrive when your workforce is on the move. Ensuring comprehensive protection now can prevent costly breaches later. This summer, empower your security teams and employees alike to stay ahead of evolving mobile risks.
Learn more and find Zimperium’s full 2025 Global Mobile Threat Report here.
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