Mobile devices have become part of the digital transformation every industry is going through. It is not utilized for individual use anymore. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are handy. Therefore, businesses are taking advantage of this technology to accomplish tasks. However, unlike desktops, mobile devices are only new in the work environment. That’s why some businesses lack knowledge on mobile device security.
Enterprises utilizing mobile-based solutions or the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) method should learn to extend their cybersecurity practices.
Although some businesses provide their employees with company smartphones and tablets, small business owners cannot afford such. Therefore, the only way is to practice the BYOD method.
What is BYOD?
As mentioned earlier, BYOD is short for Bring-Your-Own-Device. It is a popular practice in most businesses, where employees bring their devices to access their work.
BYOD practice brings opportunities and advantages to businesses. But, it poses a risk to the security of the company’s data and more.
Importance of Using Mobile Devices on Your Business
Mobile devices in the workplace are for conducting business, whether it is through communication or other purposes. It creates a flexible workspace, improves communication, and enhances productivity and efficiency.
Businesses that include mobile devices have a competitive edge and are a step ahead of their competitors. Mobile devices promote faster work time, collaboration, and decision-making.
Organizations that take advantage of mobile device allows employees to complete their task anytime and anywhere. Therefore, increasing the chance of finishing a project without delays.
Also, mobile devices reduce paperwork. Employees don’t have to print a copy and mail the file. Instead, they can use their device to send a message or email, even when out of the office.
Risks of Mobile Devices in the Workplace
With the benefits mentioned, you might think mobile devices are not susceptible to vulnerabilities, but they are. The biggest threat organizations face with the use of mobile devices is attacks from online threats and hackers. Any weak spot of a company, once discovered by a cybercriminal, can harm the business. It can cause loss of data to bankruptcy.
Cybersecurity is the main concern when it comes to company mobile devices. Despite the advantages it has, online threats are not a simple security issue. It is something that businesses should focus on by implementing better practices and policies to keep safe.
Less concern for using a mobile device for work is the incompatibility of apps or software in the device.
If you are planning to let your employee use their personal device for work, then take a look at how to secure mobile devices used in the company.
How to Protect Your Company’s Mobile Devices?
Establish a Mobile Device Security Policy or BYOD Policy
Whether you plan to issue smartphones and tablets or let your employees use their personal gadgets, creating a policy is the first thing you need. This policy serves as a guide on how your employees can use the device, what to do, report a loss, and more.
Policies allow employees to be more responsible on how they can protect mobile devices against cyber threats.
BYOD policy contains different content than your company mobile device security policy. It is because BYODs are devices used by employees even outside the office.
Some security policies you can include are the following:
- Provide a list of apps your employees can download on their device
- Write a report protocol on lost or stolen devices
- Provide an antivirus software program and other security applications
- Inform them to install a Remote Wiping application to permanently delete company data in case of missing or stolen device
- Perform daily backup
- Educate employees about VPN and connecting to public Wi-Fi
- Usage of strong passwords
- Devices should lock automatically after a period of inactivity
Update a Device’s Applications and System
Inform your employees not to click the “Later” or “Ignore” button when an application requests an update. Instead, encourage them to update their phone or tablet’s system whenever there are available.
Updates can patch security holes or vulnerabilities on the application that serve as a gateway for threats to enter a device.
Don’t leave your mobile devices exposed to vulnerabilities. Install updates as soon as it is available.
Also, updating the system or any application in a mobile device will improve the overall experience with better features.
Install a File Shredder or Application that Wipes Data
There are times when employees accidentally lose their phones. Sometimes you are lucky enough to retrieve the device, but most of the time, it isn't possible. Therefore, the best way is to ask employees to install a file shredder or app that wipes data remotely.
Whenever a device goes missing, you can delete the content permanently to keep business data safe.
Perform Regular Backups
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a folder or entire device. Therefore, not allowing the user to access any of their mobile or desktop content. The cybercriminal will demand payment for a user to gain access to their data. However, paying the amount doesn’t guarantee the retrieval of files.
Performing regular backups on mobile devices will ensure that you keep the latest data of your company. Whenever an attack happens, you don’t have to worry about paying the hacker. Furthermore, in case of disaster or loss, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you have access to your data anytime.
Installing an Antivirus Software
Mobile devices should be treated like computers. For your business to experience maximum security, installing an antivirus application or software should do the trick.
Antivirus software is a security application that can run in the background, checking for malicious activities, blocking threats, scanning Wi-Fi connections, and more.
When choosing a security software for your company’s mobile device, make sure to find packages that can support different mobile systems. Some of the best antivirus software applications you can use for your small business are Mcafee anti-virus, Bitdefender Total, Kaspersky Small Office Security, and more. However, larger corporations require mobile security for enterprises.
Make sure that your employees haven’t deleted the app on their devices. You can perform a periodic check on the company’s or employees’ mobile devices.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Connection
A business network connection has outstanding qualities of security to protect from hackers entering the network. For employees to connect to enterprise networks would be less of a threat. However, once they access company data using a public Wi-Fi connection, it becomes an issue.
Public Wi-Fi is an unsafe space because it lacks security, and hackers like to target free connections. Open networks can expose sensitive information. Therefore, it is vital to remind your employees to avoid using public Wi-Fi, and when there is no other option, a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN can work.
Protect Mobile Devices with a Strong Password
Passwords are the first line of defense for accounts and devices. But not everyone knows that passwords should meet a specific standard. Weak passwords are common. Hackers can decipher passwords easily and access data when employees don’t create complicated passwords for their accounts.
Implement your employees to use only strong passwords for their accounts, which should have the following:
- More than eight characters
- Must combine upper and lower cases, numbers, and symbols
- Should not use common and recycled passwords
- Do not use personal information
- Change passwords for at least 60 or 90 days
- Activate Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Employees can also secure their apps with a PIN or password to avoid quick access to apps for business use. You can also use fingerprint verification for better security.
Check App Permission
Before installing an app to a mobile device, check on the permission it requires before downloading it. Some apps require access to a specific part of a mobile device before it can function. See to it that it can only access what it needs.
Install Business Apps Only
BYOD and installing business apps only is difficult to follow since those are personal devices of the employees. The only way is to limit the download of apps or untrusted apps. However, for company mobile devices, you can implement a policy on installing business apps only.
In such a way, you can avoid third-party apps gathering information on company mobile devices.
Educate Employees on Phishing Scams
Phishing scams happen when you click on a link sent via email or SMS. Educating employees on clicking on untrusted links send via SMS is crucial. Inform them how to spot if it’s a malicious link. They could either delete, block, or report the message to the IT department.
Turn Off Bluetooth
Similar to Wi-Fi, you need to keep your Bluetooth connection in check. Make sure that your employees should turn off their Bluetooth all the time. If it is enabled, someone can pick up the signal and connect to it. Once they are connected, they can access what’s on the mobile device.
Conclusion
Since mobile device offers a convenient presence in the business world, companies like to introduce such technology for a better workplace. Mobile devices enhance productivity and the overall efficiency of a team. However, it poses a greater risk when it comes to cybersecurity threats.
Businesses of any size need to consider securing their mobile devices to protect the company’s data. Since mobile devices are becoming common in the workplace, hackers find a way to access unprotected devices. Therefore, make sure to take careful steps to implement a mobile device security policy.
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