Safeguarding Your Business: A Guide to Mobile Device Safety
In today's fast-paced digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, tablets, and even smart watches for various tasks, businesses must emphasize mobile device safety to safeguard sensitive information and protect against security threats.
Why is mobile device safety so important to businesses?
Rise in Cybercrime: Cybercrime is growing, with the cost predicted to hit $10.5 trillion worldwide by 2025.ꝉ Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in mobile devices to gain unauthorized access. When those devices are used for business purposes, there’s cause for a healthy level of concern.
Protecting Company Information: Mobile devices store a wealth of personal and business information, so the risks associated with mobile device security threats and data breaches are escalating. As individuals increasingly rely on smartphones for daily business tasks and greater productivity at work, sensitive business information can be compromised and financial assets put at risk.
Implementing mobile device safety in your business.
- Establish a comprehensive mobile device management policy.
Outline rules for the use and security of mobile devices within your company. Clearly define guidelines for employee-owned and company-provided devices. - Invest in Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.
Efficiently manage and enforce security requirements on all devices used within the organization. MDM software allows businesses to control access, monitor device usage, and remotely wipe data if necessary. - Consider implementing a stronger device PIN policy.
Require employees to use longer and more secure PINs than standard settings. This adds an additional layer of protection to the devices accessing your company's network.
Best practices for mobile device safety.
Because mobile devices face threats from a variety of sources, it’s recommended that businesses implement the following best practices to provide employees with safe, secure mobile access to company resources.
Implement multifactor authentication methods.
Use facial recognition or fingerprint scans to add an extra layer of security beyond traditional passwords.
Regularly update device software.
Ensure software includes the latest security patches. Always download updates from the official source or vendor to avoid installing malicious software.
Encourage the use of strong, complex passwords.
Make passwords difficult to decipher, avoid password reuse, and consider using a password vault (an encrypted digital tool for managing passwords) to generate and store secure passwords.
Only download and install apps from trusted, reputable sources.
Use only the App Store or Google Play store and review privacy settings and grant app permissions judiciously.
Advise employees to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Such networks can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure connections.
Avoid jailbreaking or rooting devices.
Jailbreaking (for iOS devices) involves bypassing built-in iOS security to install apps from unofficial and unverified sources.
Rooting (for Android devices) is obtaining root access — the highest level of administrative control, like the administrative privileges on a computer. Both can open the device up to vulnerabilities and malware. Encourage employees to obtain devices from authorized stores and discourage the purchase of used phones.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, stay secure.
Prioritizing mobile device safety is crucial for businesses in the digital age. Businesses of any size must develop a comprehensive mobile device safety policy and require employees to follow all best practices to help mitigate the risk of cyber threats, protect sensitive information, and ensure the overall security of their operations.
KeyBank is committed to arming you with the latest information on cybercrime and payments fraud. To learn more about KeyBank’s Core Fraud Solutions, visit key.com/cybersecurity or connect with your Payments Advisor or Relationship Manager.