How well are you keeping track of mobile devices that can access your business apps and data? If you are like many businesses out there, mobile security may be taking a backseat to IT security for servers and computers.
According to Verizon’s Mobile Security Index 2021 report, 71% of surveyed professionals say that mobile devices are “very critical” to their business. However, the report also found that companies and users aren’t always using best practices to keep them secure.
For example, 92% of businesses are not taking any technical precautions to block the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi.
The report has several key takeaways that you can use to bolster your mobile device use policies and protect your company from a devastating breach.
Small Businesses Are Worried About Mobile Security
Mobile devices have taken on more of the workload which has resulted in small business owners finding that they can easily get out of hand. Mobile devices that are owned by employees can be connected to business data without a guarantee that they are properly updated or protected with mobile antivirus.
93% of Android devices were found to be running an out-of-date version of their operating system.
A vast majority of small business owners (88%) say that they are concerned about mobile security and 43% rate their risk as high or significant.
Ransomware and other types of malware can easily attack a network through a mobile device and then travel to the network to infect other devices.
40% of Security Professionals Say Mobile Devices are the #1 Security Threat
Due to the rise in mobile device use and the lack of proper security, 40% of surveyed professionals and law enforcement organizations say that they see mobile devices as the top security threat to businesses.
That fear is born out of the data. 53% of surveyed companies said that they experienced a major security breach that was originated from a mobile device in 2020.
Bad Habits Are a Big Part of the Mobile Security Problem
The pandemic exasperated some bad habits. However, users and companies had them even before the pandemic began.
One of these is the fact that nearly half of employees allow friends or family to use their work devices from time to time. (Such as giving your device to a child on a long drive so that they can play a mobile game.)
This leaves business data at risk if that data is not properly protected and locked off from the personal side of a device. This is done through the use of a mobile device management application.
Some of the common bad habits that are causing mobile devices to be at risk of a security breach are the following:
- Use of unsecured public Wi-Fi without a VPN
- Using dangerous sites (like adult content site) on work mobile devices
- Not using a screen lock
- Not having any way to remotely lock, find or wipe a device
- Not being discerning enough about the apps downloaded onto the device
What Are the Best Ways to Secure Work Mobile Devices?
The thought of putting in place a mobile device management strategy can seem daunting. However, there are software tools out there that make it easier. You can also institute the same types of best practices for mobile devices that you do for work computers.
Implement a Mobile Device Manager (MDM)
If you already use Microsoft 365, then an upgrade may be all that you need to have a powerful mobile device manager. Microsoft’s Business Premium plan comes with Intune (which is an MDM).
This type of app can take care of multiple areas of mobile device security including the following:
- Monitoring device access to business apps and data
- Remotely revoke or add mobile device access
- Keep mobile device apps and OS updated
- Enforce standard security policies across all devices
- Effectively secure the “work” side of an employee’s smartphone while leaving the “personal” side private
Require Mobile Antivirus/Anti-Malware
Mobile devices also need to use antivirus/anti-malware just like computers do. Ensure that all employees are using this and have it properly activated on their devices.
Business Virtual Private Network (VPN)
It is difficult to control all of the Wi-Fi connections that an employee's mobile device may make. They often connect automatically to coffee shop networks, hotel networks, etc.
You can ensure that those connections are encrypted by using a business VPN. This can be used on both computers and mobile devices and will keep data secure even when the device is on public Wi-Fi.
Have a Mobile Device Use Policy
Companies often assume that employees are going to use good judgment when downloading apps or accessing websites from a work mobile device. That is not always the case. You need to spell out a policy so that employees know exactly what is expected and how they can secure the device.
This includes things like apps that are allowed (or not allowed) to be downloaded, any restricted websites that can’t be visited, etc. It may also include a requirement to use a screen lock on all devices and instructions to sign out of all business apps when finished with work at the end of the day.
Get Help With a Solid & Secure Mobile Device Strategy
Sound Computers can help your Connecticut business put an affordable and effective mobile device management strategy in place.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call 860-577-8060 or reach us online.