Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Employees’ Mobile Business Devices Secure on the Go
|As an employer, there are always a million tasks running through your mind. The evolving threats surrounding data protection likely occupy some brain space, but there’s one area that many employers overlook: employees’ mobile devices.
These devices are an entry point to your business, and left unprotected, they form a massive vulnerable area, especially when staff are travelling. There are increasing threats, such as RaaS, and encryption standards are weakening; one compromised WiFi network or a stolen phone could jeopardize your business. Safeguarding these mobile devices is an essential consideration. Here’s how to keep your employees’ mobile business devices secure on the go.
1. Implement Strong Access Controls
Start simple. The stronger the access controls, the harder it is to compromise a mobile device. Employers should establish mandatory expectations, including multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and immediate re-authentication after inactivity. After the onslaught of ransomware variants (like the DragonForce-related threats), this is an important step.
2. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest
Encryption remains one of the most trusted forms of protection. Unfortunately, standards are dwindling. The recent removal of Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK – forcing users onto standard, not end-to-end encryption – is a strong call to action.
It is worth investing in additional protective measures, including the use of a VPN over public networks. Full-disk encryption is one of the pillars of cybersecurity in the current technological climate.
3. Use Secure, Managed Cloud Storage
If the worst happens, and an employee loses their device, then their work needs to be protected, accessible, and removable. Invest in business cloud storage, with robust reset features that can be operated remotely. Securely managed cloud storage allows users to regain access, retrieve important documents, and then securely wipe them from the compromised device.
4. Enforce Regular Software Updates & Patch Management
Employers have likely seen the news. If business owners should take one thing from the string of retail cyber attacks, though, it’s that outdated systems fuel breaches.
Enforce regular software updates and utilise patch management (detecting potential issues before something malicious does). All devices associated with your business should have watertight protective measures in place — invest in testing and enhance your existing security systems.
5. Deploy Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Remote Wipe Tools
It’s worth reiterating; deploying MDM and remote wipe tools is essential. If a device is stolen, companies should have the infrastructure in place to remotely wipe sensitive information. Anything that could be permanently compromised is a considerable risk to your business.
Business security is a top priority for any employer. If your employees have mobile devices that pose a risk, it’s essential to take action promptly. Utilise these five strategies, and retain digital security.