What is Mobile Device Security?

Mobile Device Security is a combination of strategies and tools that secure mobile devices against security threats. Although mobile security components vary based on each company’s needs, mobile security always involves authenticating users and restricting network access. This is accomplished best with mobile security software.

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What is Mobile Device Security?

Why is mobile device security important?

Today, more than half of all employees use mobile devices for work. Widespread use of mobile devices puts company networks at risk for cyber-attacks.

 

Every day, businesses are targeted by cyber criminals looking for sensitive data they can use to steal identities and commit fraud. Sometimes cyber criminals use ransomware attacks to extort money from corporations and small businesses. Cyber criminals target mobile devices because users don’t always secure their devices or practice safe habits.

 

Without strict mobile security, every mobile device that accesses your company network is a liability.

Latest news and trends in the Mobile Security space

  •     Third-party security solutions for the cloud. The rising popularity of cloud computing has increased the use of third-party software security solutions. These solutions have been created for popular cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

 

With the popularity of open-source software and libraries, third-party security software is vital.

 

  •     Contracting lawyers to design secure BYOD policies. Some companies benefit greatly from allowing employees to use their personal devices at work. However, the legal ramifications are vast. More business owners are turning to lawyers to help create BYOD policies that reduce liability.

 

For example, employers must pay employees for all time worked even if they didn’t ask the employee to perform the work. If an employee checks company email at home or continues working at home after hours, that time must be paid. Ambiguous policies that don’t specifically and explicitly prohibit working after hours can result in a judgment of liability in the court system.

 

  • iOS vulnerabilities are coming to light. iOS is not immune to attacks. Companies that use Apple products are becoming extremely vigilant about securing their iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and Mac Minis.

How to prevent/protect against mobile threats

  •     Require mobile users to use a virtual private network (VPN). All employees and contractors accessing your company network on public or unsecured Wi-Fi should be required to use a VPN. A VPN establishes an encrypted connection to your network so all data transferred is encrypted and therefore unreadable to prying eyes.

 

  •     Employ endpoint security solutions. You must monitor all files and processes taking place on each mobile device that accesses your network. Endpoint security tools continually monitor for suspicious activity and alert IT security immediately. Some endpoint solutions automatically act to contain threats until IT security can investigate.

 

  •     Employ secure web gateways for cloud networks. If you run your business in the cloud, you need secure web gateways. Cloud security is not optional in today’s IoT world.

 

  •     Secure your email communications. In addition to end-to-end encryption for securing email content, you also need tools that automatically detect and block threats. For instance, use software that warns people not to click on links. This is the fastest way to end up with adware on a mobile device.

 

  •      Enforce strict security policies. Never allow employees to save company passwords in their mobile device browsers. It’s inconvenient to type in a complex password, but if their mobile device is stolen or borrowed, other people will have access to your company data.

Check Point has the mobile security solutions you need

If you need a mobile security solution, we’ve got you covered. Request a free demo of Check Point Harmony Endpoint to see how we can protect your mobile devices from cyber-attacks.

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