Business Tech: Combating Cybersecurity Risks Associated with Mobile Devices

Cybersecurity is a top priority for most businesses. We recognize that owning a small or medium-sized business doesn’t protect you from hackers. In fact, they increasingly target smaller businesses because the security efforts are often much easier to get past than the larger enterprises. You have to be concerned about the rising instances of ransomware and other cybersecurity attacks. Companies today are finding that securing their own network is only part of the strategy. Unfortunately, their employee’s mobile devices also increase their risk of exposure.

The Rise of Bring Your Own Device Culture

Not long ago, companies were widely using a strategy that advised that none of their employees could access the network from private devices. Employees had to be on-site in order to work with documents or access the database. Today, that’s largely impractical. Employees are increasingly mobile. They access their email and log into cloud platforms from their mobile devices regularly. Disallowing this practice might severely hamper your ability to stay competitive. Not allowing personal devices is a mistake. Instead, develop a Mobile Device Policy that your employees need to follow.

Developing a policy for your employees where cybersecurity and mobile devices are concerned is the best line of defense. This allows your employees to use the latest technology to increase productivity and improve customer service. At the same time, you’re mitigating the risks caused by devices that are not overseen by your IT team.

Things to Consider in Your Strategy

When developing a strategy for devices, here are a few things to consider:

  • Mobile Apps. One of the key ways that mobile devices pose a security risk is through apps that are not safe or unvetted. There are a million mobile apps available for every type of task. The best way to make sure that your employees aren’t using apps that pose is risk is by developing a list of acceptable apps.
  • Educate Your Employees. Risks through mobile devices are only getting higher. More attacks are focused on the mobile user because hackers know that people are less vigilant when they use their phone, and they use their phones far more often than other devices.
  • Don’t Use Links in Email. Users are far more likely to fall for phishing scams through mobile devices. It’s easier to detect a scam email on a larger screen.
  • Mandate Authorization. Password or facial recognition authorization should be used on all mobile devices where employees access business documentation. This is a good practice in general.

Integrated Axis Can Help Your Team with Cyber Threats in 2020

If you’re looking for additional help with your cybersecurity strategy, contact Integrated Axis today. Our experienced staff can assess your business and help you build the best cybersecurity process to mitigate risks.