5 tips for mobile security on the go

The rise in cloud solutions has been well documented. Cloud computing allows employees to leverage personal devices to work better on the go, driving them to be more productive and competitive.

However, this mobility typically comes with a host of potential security vulnerabilities. But with these five tips, you can minimize those vulnerabilities and ensure mobile security.

1.) Develop a BYOD policy

First things first, make sure your company has security policies and protocols in place before allowing employees to use personal devices to access your systems. These can vary in complexity from requiring devices to be locked when unattended to standards for what devices, applications and networks are permissible to access work programs from.

It can also mean providing training on what kinds of emails employees should and should not open from their devices. This includes their work inbox as well as their personal email apps used on the same devices.

The greatest threats to cybersecurity often come from inside your network. Any device accessing your network should be considered as “inside,” and approached accordingly.

2.) Use strong passwords

With so much talk about cybersecurity, we often forget about more hands-on threats to data security. Unlocked devices are a huge potential vulnerability. In the wrong hands, an unlocked device could result in losing a treasure trove of critical data. These three strategies will help:

Take advantage of a password manager
Ensure all passwords meet complexity standards
Make sure devices have the auto-lock feature engaged

3.) Vet your apps

Make sure employees source apps properly on devices they plan to work from. Many apps that look legitimate can be knockoffs designed to access systems and harvest critical data.

This tip can prove challenging simply because of the sheer number of apps employees keep on their personal devices. With work devices, many employers do not allow employees to download new programs, preventing problems before they arise.

When it comes to employees’ personal devices, it helps to keep a running list of potentially dangerous apps and provide basic training to employees on how to vet apps before installing them.

4.) Take advantage of device-tracking apps

Lost devices represent a real security threat that most companies may not think about often. Once you lose a device, its accessible data belongs to the finder. Fortunately, a number of apps on the marketplace offer the ability to remotely wipe a lost device’s data and reset the factory settings.

Remote-wiping apps can also offer other capabilities. They can reset passwords, lock the device retroactively, turn on alarms, and even snap pictures. In the event that you lose a device, these apps provide peace of mind that your company data and systems stay protected from uninvited access.

5.) Restrict sensitive conversations

We all know that text messaging has become the medium of choice for mobile communication. Texting may feel private and secure, but it can provide significant security risks. SMS lacks encryption, leaving it vulnerable to potential breaches.

Basic collaboration and business communication are fine for text. But avoid using text messages for passing critical data such as passwords or other sensitive information back and forth between co-workers or clients.

Stay up-to-date on mobile security

We live in an ever-evolving technological environment, whether at work or at home. By staying up-to-date on the latest security protocols and procedures to protect your network, you can stay ahead of the threats. With a little extra focus on security, you’ll get all of mobility’s productivity benefits without all the headaches data loss can bring.