Smartphones and tablets are essential to successful remote work setups because they enable users to access business data and accomplish tasks virtually anywhere. However, convenient as they may be, these devices can leave your business vulnerable to plenty of cyberthreats.
Convenient as they may be, mobile devices can leave your business vulnerable to plenty of cyberthreats.
If you want to safely incorporate mobile devices into your operations, you need to understand these threats and how you can address them effectively. Here are some of the most common mobile security risks today:
Phishing
In this cyberattack, perpetrators send out messages that trick victims into visiting a fake website, downloading malware-laced attachments, divulging sensitive information, or authorizing monetary transactions. Perpetrators typically use email as a medium, but phishing scammers are increasingly using text messages and social media platforms for their nefarious goals.
Cybersecurity awareness training will play a key role in combating phishing. This teaches your employees how to identify telltale signs of phishing and what they should do if they encounter fraudulent messages. You can also use email filtering services that can block most scam messages from even reaching your employees' inboxes.
Malicious apps
Applications expand the capabilities of mobile devices, but some of them can compromise your business’s cybersecurity. Once installed, malicious apps can steal or lock data stored in the device or spread more malware. Some hackers may even tap malicious apps to access the user’s banking apps, allowing them to transfer money to their own bank accounts.
Using official app stores, such as Google Play and Apple App Store, reduces your risk of downloading malicious apps. However, even when you’re downloading from these app stores, choose only applications made by credible developers, that have legitimate user reviews, and have been widely installed by many other users.
Weak passwords
Simple and generic passwords are often the culprit behind many major data breaches. In fact, a report from Verizon revealed that 81% of data breaches involve weak passwords. To defend against cyberthreats, apply the following password best practices:
- Create long and complex passwords.
- Use a unique password for every account–a password manager really helps!
- Do not write your passwords on notebooks and sticky notes where people can easily find them.
You can install password manager apps like LastPass on your mobile devices. These apps store your passwords in an encrypted digital vault and automatically input those passwords when you log in to your account. This makes it easy to set strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts.
Outdated operating system (OS) and apps
Mobile OS and app developers release patches and updates not only to ensure that their products are functioning optimally, but also to address security vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may have been discovered only after the program was released to the public or attackers may have found ways to take advantage of previously harmless features. In any case, delaying or avoiding updates puts your devices and the data stored in them at risk.
Make it a habit to promptly and regularly update your phone’s OS and apps. Prioritize mobile cybersecurity tools, such as anti-malware apps, password managers, and virtual private networks. Next, update all apps used to store and process business data. To ensure that you don’t forget to update any application, enable your device’s auto-update function, if available.
If any of your employees use mobile devices for work, then you need to implement measures to secure those devices. Our experts at Fidelis can help you develop and implement mobile security strategies that meet your business’s needs.
Are you confident in your business’s approach to cybersecurity? See if you’re on the right track when you download this free eBook today.
