CYFIRMA, an external threat management company, has announced the launch of DeFNCE, a new mobile app.
The app is designed to help users acquire cyber safe habits such as knowing how to set a secure password, learn about emerging cyber threats such as phishing campaigns and other social engineering lures, and be aware of cybercriminals targeting apps they have installed.
According to App Annie's Mobile App Landscape Report, there were 218 billion app downloads in 2020, time spent in finance apps was up 45% worldwide, and m-commerce experienced a massive growth.
Similarly, social networking apps, video streaming apps and gaming apps have all experienced a recent surge as the world's population migrated to mobile and digital formats for work and play.
In CYFIRMA's research, threat actors and cyber criminals are increasingly viewing mobile devices as attack surfaces to carry out not just scams but also cyber espionage.
The company predicts in 2022, cyber criminals will mount attacks to take over mobile devices and demand ransom knowing that many will succumb to the extortion tactics.
DeFNCE provides the capability to provide a safe browsing experience by using advanced algorithms to discover the users digital risk profile and alert him or her to spying, phishing, ransomware, malware and other cyber threats.
The app contains more than one million data sources to bring to the user's attention on emails and passwords which have been stolen or leaked into underground marketplaces, specific hacking campaigns planned by cyber criminals to compromise banking and other sensitive apps, and help the user ensure the device settings adhere to cyber safe security standards.
Users can check their cyber risk level according to a device scan, keep digital identity and emails safe, rest assured that the device's configuration and settings are providing the best security, be alerted to cyber criminals targeting the apps which have been downloaded to the phone, and stay updated on the latest in cyber criminal activities.
More specifically, DeFNCE features include:
- Risk Score: A rating of Critical, High, Medium - Low is provided for each user with recommended actions to immediately strengthen security posture
- Explore: Users can build his or her personal cyber situational awareness and learn the latest happenings related to cybersecurity
- Data leaks: Be alerted to emails and credentials that have been leaked and circulating in dark web marketplaces
- Mobile cyber hygiene: Check that WiFi, Bluetooth, permission settings, mobile device OS version and others are properly configured
- App health: Watch for phishing attacks where criminals are masquerading the apps and seeking to profit from the user
CYFIRMA founder and CEO Kumar Ritesh says, “The mobile internet and mobile apps are not just a place to check your email or watch cat videos on YouTube anymore, it's also a way to find news, connect with friends and family, and do business on the go. But it's also a wild west full of unknown threats that can turn your digital footprint into a real-world crime scene.
"These threats can take many forms from cyber criminals who are out to steal your identity, phishing campaigns to lure you into divulging confidential data, and even state-sponsored attacks trying to collect sensitive information.
"That's why we created DeFNCE to be that mobile device bodyguard for the everyday mobile user. DeFNCE is the first layer of protection for anyone who owns a smartphone and wants to keep away from the prying eyes of cyber criminals."