Mobile security: how to protect your business’s smartphones and tablets

Smartphones and tablets are now essential tools for modern businesses, but they also pose serious security risks.

 

This guide will help you understand the key threats and provide practical steps to secure your business’s mobile technology.

Manage your mobiles

Using mobile devices for work is great for convenience, but it can represent a significant security risk if they’re not managed correctly. Make sure everyone knows how to use devices in the safest ways.

Secure your tech

The most effective ways to keep mobile devices secure include being able to remotely track and wipe a device if it’s lost or stolen, banning the use of public Wi-Fi for accessing company systems, and installing anti-virus software on all devices.

Train your people

It’s important to have a clear mobile security policy, and to offer regular security awareness training. Whatever device they’re working on, your employees need to remain aware of cyber threats.

Manage your mobiles

Using mobile devices for work is great for convenience, but it can represent a significant security risk if they’re not managed correctly. Make sure everyone knows how to use devices in the safest ways.

Secure your tech

The most effective ways to keep mobile devices secure include being able to remotely track and wipe a device if it’s lost or stolen, banning the use of public Wi-Fi for accessing company systems, and installing anti-virus software on all devices.

Train your people

It’s important to have a clear mobile security policy, and to offer regular security awareness training. Whatever device they’re working on, your employees need to remain aware of cyber threats.
Few of us could imagine life without a mobile phone: they’ve become essential. The same is true for businesses, as not many could function effectively without mobile devices.
 
However, they also present significant security challenges and they’re often the least protected of all devices, so could be an easy target for cyber criminals.
 
Many small businesses rely on employees using their own devices for work. According to a recent survey by cyber security firm CyberSmart, 60% of small companies expect staff to use personal devices at work, but 59% offer no mobile-security training.
 
To remain protected, it’s vital to make sure your employees are using mobile devices in the safest ways. The following guidance will help reduce the risks for your business.
The weakest link is often the person holding the device. Invest time and effort in training and adopt a mindset of pause, think, protect.
Lee StephensPrincipal, BT Security Advisory Services.

It’s not just about phones

7 important mobile security tips

Policies and training are vital

Mobile security isn’t just a technical issue. It’s essential to have a strong mobile security policy in place to ensure your employees are aware of their responsibilities when they’re working remotely.

Keep it simple and make sure you complement it with regular security awareness training.

Above all, it’s vital for the entire business to be constantly vigilant, whatever device they’re working on, as cyber criminals frequently rely on human lapses to force their way into company systems.

Key takeaways

If you only remember three things, make them these:

  • Have a simple and strong mobile-security policy. Ensure your team are aware of it and undergo regular security awareness training and reminders.
  • Make sure mobile devices can be tracked and wiped remotely, have biometric authentication activated and anti-virus software installed.
  • Employees using their own mobile devices for work should follow the same rules as if they were using a work device.