For people on the move and those who are remote working, mobile devices are an essential tool, but they do present a different set of security risks. These should be considered carefully. Security for mobile devices involves a balancing act, between providing adequate protection for the data on and transmitted from them and ensuring that staff efficiency and productivity isn’t impeded. Here are some of the issues you should consider and some best practices for providing optimum security for mobile devices.
Safe Applications for Mobile Devices
Devices like smartphones require similar applications to laptop and desktop computers, for tasks including communication, data access and storage, and more. Generally speaking, these will be downloaded from an app store that provides Android or IoS apps. These sites do their best to screen the apps available, minimizing the likelihood that malicious software will be installed on your device. When downloading apps, avoid unknown sites. Opt for the trusted ones, like Google Play Store and the Apple Store, and check out trusted developers, rather than unknown app creators.
Secure Wireless Connections
Mobile data can be expensive, so users of smartphones and similar mobile devices will usually prefer to use wireless networks. However, public wireless networks are notoriously insecure, because data can be intercepted. Even secured public networks may not have adequate protections in place. Great care should be taken when using any public wireless network connection, since you can never be entirely confident about the level of data security they provide.
Theft and Loss
Laptops and smartphones are more susceptible to being lost or stolen than a desktop computer in the office, for obvious reasons. Smartphones are especially vulnerable to loss and theft. Always bear this in mind and build this into your cybersecurity strategy.
How to Secure Mobile Devices Effectively
Though these problems will always be greater with a mobile device, there are solutions that can help reduce the risks. Here are two things to consider.
– Use an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution. With an MDM, you will be able to manage permissions and app downloads on all devices that are connected to your network. You’ll be able keep track of them easily, and any that are lost or stolen can be wiped remotely to ensure that your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
– Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). With a VPN you can avoid the problems that can arise when using public wireless networks. It will give you an encrypted connection to your business data. This means that even if criminals do manage to intercept data they’ll have an extremely hard time decrypting it and using it for their own purposes.
Mobile device security is a new challenge for the ways we work today, but it doesn’t have to be a major headache. Quikteks can assist your business to secure mobile devices. Call us today at (973) 882-4644 for information and advice.