Smartphone Security and Privacy: A Survey on APTs, Sensor-Based Attacks, Side-Channel Attacks, Google Play Attacks, and Defenses

There is an exponential rise in the use of smartphones government and private institutions due to business dependencies such as communication, virtual meetings, access global information. These are attractive target for cybercriminals one leading causes cyber espionage sabotage. A large number sophisticated malware attacks well advanced persistent threats (APTs) have been launched on smartphone users. becoming significantly more complex, sophisticated, persistent, undetected extended periods. Traditionally, devices targeted by exploiting a vulnerability operating system (OS) or device sensors. Nevertheless, there APTs, side-channel attacks, sensor-based through Google Play Store. Previous research contributions lacked contemporary threats, some proven ineffective against latest variants mobile system. In this paper, we conducted extensive survey papers over last 15 years (2009–2023), covering vulnerabilities, corresponding defenses. The highlights classifies variants, defines how sensors exploited, visualizes multiple ways that launched, provides comprehensive list families spread addition, details threat defense solutions, detection tools techniques presented decade. Finally, it open issues identifies gap needs be addressed meet challenges next-generation smartphones.