Sharing is Not Caring When it Comes to Mobile Device Security

Mobile devices have become an integral part of businesses in the fast-paced digital world. More people rely heavily on their devices for personal communication and professional tasks. However with this increased use comes the need for stricter mobile device security.

With the rapid advancements in technology, cyber threats have also evolved, posing an even bigger risk to sensitive information. More endpoints, or devices, on your network, increase your overall attack surface.

As companies undergo digital transformations, employees take advantage of remote work. However, accessing corporate data from personal mobile devices increases the potential for cyber attacks. Also, implementing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) initiatives without proper mobile device management for security can leave your business vulnerable.

What Are Security Threats to Mobile Devices?

Mobile devices are the target of a variety of cyber attacks. According to the Zimperium's 2023 Global Mobile Threat report, mobile devices were the target of 80% of phishing attacks. That's why business owners must take proactive measures for securing mobile devices to keep their data secure. These are some potential threats to mobile device security.

• Malware/Spyware: Malware can be disguised as legitimate apps and pose a significant threat to your mobile devices. It can stealthily steal valuable data and be used for tracking or infiltrating your system.
• Phishing: Mobile phishing is a serious issue. Scammers can use SMS, social media, and email to send deceptive messages to employees. They often have URLs encouraging users to divulge sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
• Network Spoofing: Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi networks that look like legitimate public Wi-Fi spots. When a mobile user connects to these, the attacker can see and steal the information sent over the network.
• Data Leakage: Many mobile apps require access to personal information and system resources. If these apps are not securely designed, they could leak sensitive data.
• Unsecured Applications: Applications that don't have robust encryption to safeguard data can be a vulnerability to your business network. Hackers can exploit them for unauthorized use.
• Inconsistent Software Updates: Software updates are critical to securing mobile devices because they fix vulnerabilities. Failure to do this may leave devices exposed to potential attacks.
• Theft or Loss: Due to their small size and frequent use, mobile devices are highly susceptible to being lost or stolen. Without solid password protection and encryption, unauthorized individuals can easily access the information stored on these devices.

6 Mobile Device Security Best Practices for Your Business

Maintaining secure mobile devices in your workplace can prevent data loss. Security breaches put you, your customers, and your employees at risk. Cyberattacks can take a financial toll on your business as you try to rectify the damage done by bad actors. By implementing these best practices, you can protect mobile devices against potential threats and mitigate risks.

1. Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) mandates users provide two or more verification factors to access applications or online accounts. A robust mobile device security policy includes MFA as a key element. 

Instead of relying solely on usernames and passwords, MFA adds extra layers of verification. MFA is also sometimes referred to as 2FA, or two-factor authentication This extra layer of protection significantly reduces the chances of a successful cyber attack. This can include:

• PINS
• Verification codes
• Biometric scans (fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, etc.)

2. Use Strong Passwords

Creating strong and unique passwords can enhance security for mobile devices and the valuable information stored within them. Strong passwords aren't easy to guess, and they:

• Are usually long
• Have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Use symbols and numbers
• Are not linked to personal information (e.g., a pet's name, birthday, etc.)

Using a password manager can help employees keep track of multiple accounts and even automatically generate strong passwords. Password managers also keep this information encrypted so it is protected from potential cyber-attacks.

3. Regularly Update Devices

Make sure to update the operating system and applications regularly manually. These updates often include important security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Take a proactive approach to ensure devices are secure, even with automatic updates.

4. Implement Remote Lock and Data Wipe Policies

Your corporate BYOD agreement should include a remote lock and data wipe policy. 

By implementing this measure, you maintain high level security to safeguard sensitive information in the event of device loss or theft. You will have the ability to remotely delete all data on employee mobile devices or lock it to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Implement Mobile Device Management for Security

Mobile device management (MDM) software enables IT departments to automate, control, and reinforce administrative policies on various mobile devices. This includes laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. This ensures a high level of security for all devices connected to an organization's network. Along with the following best practices, your business can stay secure.

6. Regularly Backup Devices

You must have a reliable method to access potentially compromised data if a device is lost or stolen. Opt for a cloud solution that automatically backs up data. However, remember that remote backups must have strong encryption to avoid compromised backup data.

Stay Protected with Mobile Device Management for Security

Mobile device security is not something to be taken lightly. It goes beyond just setting a passcode or enabling fingerprint recognition. It involves comprehensive protection against various threats, such as malware attacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access.

By implementing advanced security measures, you can protect your mobile devices from potential risks. Ciracom Cloud operates with a zero-trust model regarding security for mobile devices. This ensures that all devices must be continuously authenticated to prevent unauthorized access.

Mobile device security is imperative for businesses and organizations to prioritize protecting their employees' mobile devices. A single security breach can lead to substantial financial losses. By investing in comprehensive mobile device security solutions, you can maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive corporate data.

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