The Top 5 Ways to Avoid Mobile Security Blunders

Mobile devices are deeply integrated into the workplace landscape. While this adds convenience and increased productivity for workers, it also creates a high potential for cyber attacks. An Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution without proper security protocol brings more trouble than it’s worth, but when appropriate security measures are put in place, businesses can reap the benefits. To avoid any mobile security blunders, consider implementing these practices into your EMM solution.

Audit all Existing Mobile Devices

By auditing all employee devices, businesses are able to analyze each individual device and their usage. This process will inform you about what devices employees are using as well as give you the ability to determine any possible security weak spots, such as if an employee regularly connects to a public Wi-Fi network. Make note of the number of devices in use, what they are being used for, and if they have been updated to the newest security software. This audit can be performed by simply sending out a questionnaire to all employees.

Consider Mobile Device Management

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software offer tools which secure, manage, and monitor employee devices. While employees can find these tools invasive due to privacy concerns, the control MDM gives employers over employee devices allows for stricter security policies. This better protects the business as well as the employees from any potential threats.

Write a Code of Best Security Practices

Devices can be kept secure through the use of security software and tools, but it’s important to have a record of what the proper security protocol is as a way to educate employees and maintain best practices. Create a document with security information employees need to know. For example, advise against connecting to unverified devices and visiting unsafe websites.

Keep Your Operating System Updated

Operating systems (OS) are periodically updated to release new software or get rid of bugs. If employees do not update their device’s OS, they are using a device with a higher possibility of being compromised. By keeping up to date with OS changes, employees will be using the best version of their device’s software, free from the bugs and security flaws of past versions.

Encryption

Encrypting mobile data adds another layer of protection between your data and a cyber attack. Through the use of a hardware or software-based encryption tool, you will have the ability to encrypt outgoing calls, text messages, and emails, among other things. When using encryption tools, a hacker would be unable to view critical data on a mobile device, keeping it protected.

Comprehensive mobile security best practices go a long way in terms of maintaining business operations. A mobile device with no protection in the hands of an employee who hasn’t been educated about security procedures has the potential to be disastrous. When using mobile devices in the workplace, consider these tips to avoid a security mishap.