Rethinking IT Security to Include Mobile Devices

Mobile security is a hot topic in the business world, as employees increasingly use mobile devices to access private networks and perform business functions. With smartphones becoming more powerful and better suited to conducting business, a number of small and medium sized businesses will need to reassess their mobile security strategies.

If you run a business where employees use either company provided cellular devices, or even if you allow for BYOD device usage, you will need to know the security risks and how to overcome them.

Malware is the Biggest Threat on Mobile Devices

With each passing year, the amount of malware targeted at mobile devices is increasing. In 2017, McAfee detected over 1.5 billion mobile malware incidents in just the first three months of the year. In January of this year, Google had already removed 60 apps from the Play Store after detecting malware and suspicious app activity.

Any way you look at it, mobile devices are at risk, and the attacks will only become more sophisticated over time. Just as security is essential in the personal computer space, businesses need to take a security-centric approach to mobile devices.

How Can Your Business Ensure Security on Mobile Devices?

There are a few simple tips that your business can follow to increase mobile security today. These can be used to create rules that should be enforced with all devices that are used for business purposes.

  • Ensure all devices are locked security with either a pin, passphrase, or with a secure fingerprint or touch ID.
  • Remote locate and lock should be enabled on devices that support this feature. Current Android and iOS devices both have remote locking features, GPS locating, and wipe functions. Phones that have been lost should be remotely wiped to prevent data theft.
  • Mobile data should be frequently backed up through a solution controlled by your company. A cloud storage solution would be ideal.
  • All phones should be kept up to date with the latest Android or iOS security patches.
  • Phones used for business purposes should not be used on unsecured networks; this means avoiding public Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • For an extra layer of security, your internal policy should keep a list of approved apps that can be installed and used on mobile devices.

IT Consulting Can Provide a Complete Mobile Security Strategy

Even when following best-effort security practices, there is still the risk of malware and targeted forms of data theft. With IT consulting your business can discover security risks specific to your usage model, and effective solutions can be put in place. This could include using VPN’s for company network access, or deploying company-specific devices that have been configured to be as secure as possible.

Investing in mobile security will protect your business, your clients, and will help to facilitate future growth.



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