Here are 5 reasons to consider a mobile security risk assessment. Consider today’s most specific and hazardous security threat – our smartphones. These multi-purpose and ever-present devices should be included in your strategic cybersecurity plan including assessments and threat detection.
It is possible to tailor a security risk assessment that is specifically for smartphones or mobile devices.
A mobile security risk assessment identifies smartphone assets and provides an in-depth list of specific applicable threats. This includes both third-party and enterprise web services used by the application as well as other connected resources that might have an impact on the security of the system.
Here are 5 reasons that you should consider the mobile security risk assessment for your organization:
Reason 1: Suspicious Applications
With any BYOD policy, it’s difficult to limit application use for users. Users can easily visit Google Play or the App Store and download any app. With each app they download, this invites an inventory of permission before people can download them. These permissions generally require some quiet access to files or folders on your mobile device. The majority just skim or skip the list of permissions and agree without reviewing them in great detail. This lack of security leaves devices susceptible to mobile security risks.
Although the application works the way it’s alleged to, it still has the potential to mine corporate data and send it to a third-party sort of a competitor and expose sensitive products and business information.
A Mobile Security Risk Assessment will help you have a better idea of which apps are in use that could expose your organization’s sensitive data.
Reason 2: Access to Data
Mobile devices present a treasure trove of opportunities for leaked data. This could happen through user error, malicious intent, phishing attempts, social hacking, etc.
In most cases sending files through cloud storage, accessing confidential information from unauthorized gadgets or devices, reading spam or irrelevant email, and accessing obnoxious links from it. This kind of negligence can be risky for the health departments, school data, and an economic-based or banking firm.
Cybriant’s Mobile Security Risk Assessment will help you understand where your data is being shared and how to stop it if necessary.
Reason 3: Public Wi-fi
Our mobile devices are completely useless without an internet connection. It is so easy to find free access to the internet in a public area, while for many that public Wi-Fi is a necessity, your users should understand the risk associated with Public Wi-Fi. Connecting your phone with an insecure internet connection can be harmful to the device and your data too. Most of the time we travel, visit public places and got the ‘free internet’ connection but without knowing fact how good or bad it will be.
It’s possible with a BYOD policy to limit Public Wi-Fi usage, and a mobile security risk assessment will help you determine if you are users are adhering to that policy.
Reason 4: Outdated Devices
Mobile security was not a big issue in previous years – when we were using simple phones and having slow internet connections without the fear of data leakages or third-party intrusions. These devices are still in use somewhere and connected with the new and fast internet connections though they are not updated or qualify for data and mobile security.
Apple supports its smartphones for about five years after a model is released, giving the devices the latest versions of iOS and the latest patches to known vulnerabilities.
In general, an Android phone won’t get any more security updates if it’s more than three years old, and that’s provided it can even get all the updates before then. After three years, you’re better off getting a new phone. Source
Reason 5: Lack of End-to-End Encryption
While many apps on certain phones offer end-to-end encryption, the vast majority of apps – especially social networking – do not offer end-to-end encryption.
This is shocking considering the quantity of data uploaded to applications counting on the platforms employees use to access corporate data on their phones. A scarcity of mobile application security doesn’t bode well for you. It is just a one-step verification to encrypt your chat, document, or any other data you share through a trustful application. By this, you are saved from the supervision or data hacking from service providers.
How to Address Enterprise Mobile Security
Risk Assessment Strategy:
Mobile security begins with a mobile security risk assessment. This permits the association to name the risks that they are confronted with and the results if significant information and data are lost through malware infection, a framework crash, or burglary.
Other potential threats that can be related to a risk assessment incorporate physical threats like vindictive harm, burglary, power blackout, and additionally fire. Human errors like unintended information removal, input mistakes, or mixed-up data handling are additionally recognized.
Moreover, abuse from different vindictive exercises, for example, corporate undercover work is distinguished. The angles that ought to be considered are the people who have access to the information; people who utilize the web and email frameworks; the firewalls and hostile to malware arrangements; and appropriately staff preparing just as implementing mobile security.
Employee Education:
The best security against robbery or abuse includes the mix of an all-around educated staff, physical security, and technical security. Characterized approaches ought to be executed into the framework and adequately introduced to the staff.
Consider these tips from a recent article, Tips to Secure Corporate Data with Remote Workers
- Lock your device when they are not in use – even at home
- Don’t leave company property unattended – Take your laptop with you to pick up your order at Starbucks.
- Always be on the lookout – even a house guest could potentially make themselves at home on your company laptop.
- Use privacy screens – Don’t let your work pique the interest of your neighbor.
- Employees are responsible and accountable for company property – Treat it like it’s yours and protect your devices. Report any devices that are lost or stolen immediately.
Mobile Data Security System
Laptop PCs and hand-held gadgets are mainstream in today’s digitally-driven business world. Yet, these mobile gadgets present more risks to the association since they are inclined to damage and theft. In this manner, for mobile data security, powerful safeguards should be put in place to prevent cybersecurity attacks.
Consider CybriantXDR for your organization’s cybersecurity easy button. With three security technologies in place and a team of security experts monitoring your systems, you’ll be able to significantly reduce your threat landscape.
Conclusion
With a large workforce and more and more workers becoming mobile, it’s vital to understand where you stand with mobile security. Start with a mobile security assessment. With Cybriant’s Mobile Security Risk Assessment, Our experienced assessment experts will help distinguish between ensuring corporate data is secure and respecting employee privacy. Each environment also brings with it unique use cases. Political and cultural considerations must be confronted to properly establish an effective policy.