How To Protect Your Business Mobile Devices From Security Threats
Technology is constantly improving, making accessibility and connectivity more convenient, encouraging businesses to adopt mobile technology as part of their daily operations. Mobile devices can indeed hold various critical information. And more so, it can allow one to gain access to almost everything, from emails to stored passwords or even sensitive company data.
And depending on how your company utilizes mobile devices, unauthorized access to a smartphone or tablet can put your business data at risk. Although it’s crucial to implement cybersecurity measures in general, you should also take the necessary steps to protect your mobile devices from potential security threats. And as such, working with a reputable business mobile security provider can be a good start.
With that said, this article will outline some ways to protect your business mobile devices from security threats.
- Establish A Mobile Device Security Policy
Consider establishing a device usage policy before providing your employees with mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. For instance, outline straightforward rules or protocols on what constitutes acceptable use. And more so, specify what’ll happen if employees fail to comply with the policy.
It would be best to stress the importance of understanding the security risks of mobile device usage and the security measures to follow to mitigate those risks. Employees who are well-informed and responsible will be the first line of defense against cyber-threats and data leakage.
- Put In Place A Bring-Your-Own-Device Policy
If you allow your workforce to utilize their devices for business-related work, implement a formal Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Generally, the policy should cover the following:
- Remote wiping software installation requirements on personal devices, especially if they are used to store or access company data
- Ongoing education and training for your employees on protecting company data when they use their own mobile devices to connect to wireless networks
- Data protection practices such as automatic locking and solid passwords after a period of inactivity
- Guidelines on reporting stolen or lost devices
- Utilization of security tools such as antivirus or malware detection
- Storing backups regularly
- A list of applications that are safe and allowed to download
- Update With The Latest Software And Security Programs
Software updates for mobile devices typically include patches for various security vulnerabilities. Overlooking these updates may put your business’s mobile devices at risk for malware and other security threats. As such, make it a top priority to apply updates as soon as they become available.
As for antivirus software for mobile devices, you have various options to choose from, which comes down to preference. Some are readily available for free, while others charge a monthly or annual fee in exchange for more comprehensive support.
Aside from antivirus protection, most of these programs can also keep track of Short Message Service (SMS) texts, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), and call logs for any unusual activity.
- Put Password Protocols In Place
A concrete password will go a long way in protecting mobile devices in the workplace. Employees who reuse passwords or choose passwords that are simple to guess may put your company at risk of a data breach.
With that said, to help reduce the risk of cybersecurity breaches, consider the following tips to make mobile device passwords difficult to guess:
- Employees should be required to update the device’s login password at least once every 90 days.
- Use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your identity verification process.
- Passwords should have uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
- Avoid using simple sequences or names of family members or even pets. Keep in mind that your password should not contain any personal information.
- Regularly Conduct Cybersecurity Training
One of the usual cybersecurity concerns is phishing. Although phishing has been around for years, those who use mobile devices in the workplace can be at a higher risk than those who use desktop computers.
One reason for this is that mobile devices have smaller screens, so mobile email applications don’t typically display the sender’s name, serving as a way for hackers to trick recipients into thinking that the message is from someone they know. Additionally, if you’re using a mobile device, you won’t be able to hover over a link to see the URL destination.
Another issue is that most employees who use mobile devices do so while on the go or while multitasking. It may put them at risk by causing them to click on links or download attachments.
Regular cybersecurity training, particularly phishing simulations, can be one of the best ways to reduce the risk of phishing. At the same time, consider utilizing an email security solution to boost the level of protection on your business’s mobile devices against potential cybersecurity threats.
- Keep A Regular Backup Of Your Device’s Data
Make regular data backups on your business’s mobile devices, just as you do with your computer data. Doing so gives you assurance knowing that all your critical data is safe and can be restored in the event that your device gets stolen or lost.
Final Thoughts
The convenience that mobile devices offer in various industries cannot be denied. As technology evolves, mobile devices are becoming part of the modern workplace. As mobile usage grows, it’s more important than ever to take the necessary precautions to protect your company and all critical data from mobile security threats.
