There are many benefits of using mobile technology in business, but it also has downsides. As managers and employees enjoy the versatility of mobile devices, security should not be ignored because any compromise can shut down a business. You probably remember the devastation of the recent oil pipeline ransomware attack, and this is not the only one. According to 2020 statistics from Verizon, companies that sacrificed mobile security were twice more likely to be compromised. The unfortunate news is that security threats will always be around as technology grows in the business world. However, there are many steps any enterprise can take to protect their devices, especially mobile devices. This article discusses the issue of mobile device security and provides workable solutions to keep your devices out of the reach of attackers.
What is Mobile Device Security?
Mobile device security refers to specific measures to protect important company information that is stored and transferred using smartphones, laptops, tablets, or other mobile devices.
In the past, firewalls and antiviruses were enough to ensure the security of devices, but nowadays, companies have to go an extra mile to achieve maximum security. Businss owners are looking for more effective ways to protect their companies from mobile security threats.
Building a mobile enterprise app store is one of the ways companies use to tighten up security in their companies. With the help of an expert, companies build up a mobile enterprise app that helps them connect to employees and ensure safety when exchanging crucial information.
The apps are good at keeping any unauthorized user away from the company’s vital information. They are also good at ensuring employees’ productivity and ensuring there is no data breach if the mobile device gets lost or stolen.
Security Risks in The Workplace
For years, mobile malware has been a common threat to mobile security. However, these days, there are new threats that companies should consider when setting up enterprise mobile device security strategies.
Below are four different enterprise mobile security threats that companies need to tackle when placing security strategies in their companies;
Mobile Apps Based Threats
Enterprise mobile app security threats happen when people download apps that look legit on their phones. The apps, however, are not legit, but they steal data by skimming through the phone’s storage and stealing personal information.
Examples include malware and spyware that steal personal and company data from a person without their knowledge. For example, a company may recommend their employees download a particular project management app for their daily projects.
The app, unfortunately, turns out to be spyware, and the company’s essential details are exposed.
Website Based Security Threats
Website security threats are typical but very subtle. It happens when people visit affected websites that look secure on the outside. Then, the site downloads malicious content on devices that later damage the security of the devices.
If the security is breached, any critical information about an enterprise is exposed to harm.
Network-Based Threats
Network-based threats are also common mobile security threats that businesses experience. When people use public WIFI systems, the chances are that cyber criminals can easily steal unencrypted data from devices on public Wi-Fi.
A business that can use one security strategy is enterprise mobile app development services. These services help companies enhance and develop security on the businesses’ enterprise apps and subsequently increase cell phone data security.
Security Issues Affecting Mobile Devices
The number of risks your mobile phone is exposed to keeps increasing constantly. From being stolen to being hacked, you indeed have to be prepared. Let’s look at some mobile security threats that any business needs to know.
1. Madwares and Spywares
Malware or mobile adware are programs or scripts downloaded to your mobile device without your knowledge. The madware’s job is to collect information from your device for third-party companies to know which kind of ads to send to you.
Unfortunately, malware comes attached to spyware, so watching ads should be the least of your worries.
Spyware collects vital information from your phone, including internet usage and even your contacts. This puts you and your close ones, including your business, in danger.
The solution to preventing this risk is by downloading genuine apps from genuine apps development companies.
2. Viruses and Trojans
These also come attached to what may appear to be legitimate programs. They then mine your vital information from your phone, such as your bank details.
Viruses and trojans are also known to send messages that could be costly to your phone and business. The solution? Avoid downloading mobile apps for enterprise applications from sites you are unsure of.
3. Phishing Apps
More sophisticated phishing attempts are being launched to trick individuals into clicking on a link that installs malware or exposes personal data, and apps have not been spared either.
Phishing apps are simply a new take on the old theme of phishing. They are fake apps that look genuine.
After you have downloaded them, they will mine your most personal information. If you use the same password on all your devices, all your accounts will be compromised without your knowledge.
4. Grayware Apps
Grayware apps are not as dangerous as the other threats discussed above. However, these apps will expose your personal information to privacy risks.
Why Security Is Important
Just like you lock your house to prevent burglars, protecting your mobile devices in the workplace is also important. Below are the reasons why:
- Protects against malvertising
- Protects your private data
- Provides constant software patching services
- Protects against the severe consequences of malware
- Ensures proper management of data, especially in case of device loss
- Enables recovery of lost devices through location sensors
- Guarantees peace of mind when connecting online
How To Manage and Secure Mobile Devices in the Enterprise
- Keep your enterprise mobility strategy up to date always.
- Get reliable enterprise app development services to help you with apps and software that you use for your enterprise.
- Always use a passcode to help secure your phone after loss or theft.
- Get a firewall for all your enterprise mobile devices; if you have employees, ensure they have access to a good firewall.
- Always advise your employees to download apps from official apps stores if they carry important company information on their devices.
- Before you download any app on your mobile device, ensure that you read the agreement of the app. Grayware apps depend on you not reading the fine print for them to have free access to your personal or company’s information.
- Do not share personal information including passwords and emails to any unauthorized individuals.
Conclusion
An effective security strategy will ensure that the devices do not become a threat to your business. A slight mistake of failing to adhere to mobile device security best practices can land your business problems. So many people tend to forget the security of their vital business information. Let not that be you; some simple steps to developing a mobile security strategy could save you so much stress and place your business in a secure growth trajectory.