{"id":88573,"date":"2018-04-24T06:00:03","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T13:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=88573"},"modified":"2025-08-05T02:23:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T09:23:34","slug":"national-telephone-day-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/mobile-security\/national-telephone-day-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Calling: Celebrate National Telephone Day by Securing Your Mobile Devices"},"content":{"rendered":"

April 25 \u2013 otherwise known as National Telephone Day<\/a> \u2013 rolls around once a year to remind us of the sheer technologic prowess and influence of the phone. What first started as an industrial revolution invention from Alexander Graham Bell, the phone has undergone quite a remarkable evolution over its nearly 150 years of existence. When people say the word \u2018phone\u2019 today, the device they\u2019re talking about is widely different. The phone of the past has become the gateway into our digital identities and now holds the keys to all the connected things in our homes. As dependency on our mobile devices continues to grow, potential cyberthreats and need for mobile security does as well.<\/p>\n

Consumers have been quick to adopt mobile phones, more so than at any point in the telephone\u2019s storied history. It\u2019s estimated that 95% of Americans own a cell phone today<\/a>. This goes to show that the phone has not only become an instrumental device in today\u2019s society, but it also speaks to how it has evolved beyond its initial capabilities to serve as a device that contains our digital persona. A phone is no longer a convenient piece of equipment but a fundamental element of many people\u2019s lifestyles, so much so that many can\u2019t even unplug while on vacation\u2014only 27% say they\u2019re unwilling to leave their smartphones at home when on vacation<\/a>. As today\u2019s world becomes more digital and interconnected, our mobile phones are at the heart of this transformation.<\/p>\n

Latest Mobile Threats<\/h2>\n

Of course, with any device that contains this much power and influence, the mobile phone has also become the target of cybercriminals and hackers, making mobile security a cause for much concern. McAfee Labs detected over 16 million mobile malware infestations in the third quarter of 2017, and new threats continue to emerge around the world, most of which target a consumer\u2019s money. However, according to a recent CES Survey<\/a>, 52% of respondents are either unsure of or have no idea how to check to see if their mobile devices and apps are secure against these kinds of threats\u2014which is worrisome considering these latest mobile trends:<\/p>\n