Stats indicate that people prefer mobile devices over desktops for accessing the Internet. Phones, tablets and wearable devices are everywhere and tethering lets a mobile user gain access to the Internet from anywhere as long as they have a data plan. The availability of the web from anywhere is great for consumers, but it’s an increasing concern for security experts tasked with protecting businesses and individual user privacy. Here are some ways you can protect your business and employee data.
Always Encrypt Data for Mobile Clients
You can have open access for you customers, and you can make it easy for employees to connect wirelessly. Never compromise on security, and you can ensure that eavesdroppers can’t spy on wireless traffic. Don’t use WEP either – WEP was hacked years ago. Use WPA2 and any future encryption technology that has the best security. Make an effort to switch over from WEP if it’s what you’re currently using.
Set Up Remote Wiping Services
Whether it’s a custom app or a trusted one from the app store, always have an option to wipe data from the device remotely. This means that if the device is lost or stolen, you can sign on to a central cloud dashboard where you can remotely wipe the data from the phone. It secures private user data and any sensitive company documents stored on the device. Of course, you should combine this with secured backups so your users don’t lose all of their work from the loss/theft of their smartphone or tablet.
Maintain a Corporate App Policy
Hackers target mobile devices because of the poor security. Rarely do users add anti-malware apps to their device, so they are more easily exposed to third-party software meant to steal information. Most app stores quickly remove apps that steal data, but not before the app creators are able to trick hundreds (sometimes thousands) of users to download and run the software.
With a corporate app policy, you can restrict users from downloading rogue apps that aren’t for work-related tasks. The policy will stop data theft and protect the private data stored on the device.
Require Lockout PINs
When a device goes idle, the normal setup locks the screen with a passcode. However, users can opt to turn this option off in their device settings. Most companies require users to lock the desktop when they leave their desk and the same rules should apply to a mobile device. If the device is lost or stolen, an attacker has easy access to the data. At least with a passcode, it puts a hurdle in front of someone who just wants to steal data quickly. It’s not a complete block on data theft, but it’s a small step that makes it more difficult.
Keep Mobile Apps Up-to-Date
Security personnel should always be up-to-date with the latest cyber threats and have access to updates and scripts that correct vulnerabilities. Install updates and notify users when updates are available. With desktops, you can push updates to your users, but you don’t have the same control with a mobile device.
You won’t be able to secure a mobile device like you can with desktops and laptops, but you can use these few tasks to improve the security.
Leave a Comment