The ultimate guide to mobile device security for businesses

Posted on Monday August 14, 2023

Mobile devices allow employees to work remotely, communicate effectively, and access important data. However, mobile devices also pose significant cybersecurity risks, as they can be lost, stolen, hacked, or infected by malware. Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to implement proper security measures to protect their mobile devices and the sensitive information they contain. Below are tips to help you keep your company's mobile devices secure.

Use strong passwords and a password manager

The first line of defense for any mobile device is a strong password, a PIN, or biometric authentication. These features prevent unauthorized access to mobile devices and its data in case it is lost or stolen. You should also use different passwords for each app and account you use on your device, as this will limit the damage if one of them is compromised.

However, remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging, so you may want to use a password manager app that can store and autofill your passwords securely. A password manager can also help you generate strong and random passwords for each account.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires you to verify your identity with something you have (such as a code sent to your phone or email) or something you are (such as your fingerprint or face) after entering your password. 2FA makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts even if they have your password.

Keep your device and apps updated

Vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems or apps can allow hackers to access your device, steal your data, or install malware. To prevent this, you should always keep your device and apps updated with the latest security patches and bug fixes. You can check for updates manually or enable automatic updates in your device settings.

Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks

When you are on the go, you may be tempted to connect to public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, hotels, airports, or other places. However, these networks are often unsecured and unencrypted, meaning anyone on the same network can see what you are doing online or intercept your data. To protect yourself from this risk, avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks or use a virtual private network (VPN) app that can encrypt your traffic and hide your online activity.

Be careful with what you click and download

Another common way that hackers infect mobile devices is by tricking users into downloading malicious apps or clicking on phishing links. These apps or links can look legitimate but actually contain malware that can harm your device or steal your data. To avoid this, you should only download apps from trusted sources such as the official app stores and check the reviews and ratings before installing them.

You should also be wary of clicking on links or attachments in emails, texts, or social media messages that look suspicious or come from unknown senders. These links or attachments can lead you to fake websites that ask for your personal or financial information or download malware onto your device.

Use privacy-focused apps

Some apps can collect your personal information without your consent. This can compromise your privacy and expose you to targeted ads or malicious attacks. To prevent this, use privacy-focused apps that respect your data and limit their access to your device permissions. You should also review the privacy policies and settings of the apps you use and adjust them according to your preferences.

By following these tips, you can keep your company's mobile devices secure and protect your business from cyberthreats. For more security tips, reach out to our experts today.