Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of companies implementing remote work has increased. Consequently, the use of business smartphones and tablets has also risen.
Business mobile devices increase productivity and flexibility but can also become vulnerable to various cyberattacks. According to a CheckPoint survey, approximately two-thirds of respondents expressed doubt about their ability to protect mobile devices from cyberattacks.
To protect confidential information and safeguard against potential cyber threats, it is crucial to implement security measures on mobile devices. In this post, we will explore the reasons why security measures for business mobile devices are essential, common cyberattacks, and preventive measures.
Why is Security for Business Mobile Devices Necessary?
With the proliferation of business mobile devices, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting them. Business mobile devices often contain sensitive data, such as customer information, login credentials, intellectual property, and more.
Traditionally, endpoint security (security for network-connected devices) tends to be overlooked. In fact, according to a survey by M-OTEX, over half of respondents had not implemented endpoint security solutions, such as EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response).
Cybercriminals target mobile devices because they are perceived as less secure, making it easier for them to access sensitive information. This underscores the need for security measures to mitigate potential risks.
Cyberattacks Targeting Business Mobile Devices and Their Impact
Understanding the importance of security measures for business mobile devices, let’s explore common types of cyberattacks:
- Ransomware: Ransomware encrypts confidential data on business smartphones and demands a ransom for the decryption key. Paying the ransom may not guarantee data recovery, and some attackers now threaten data leakage in addition to encryption, leading to significant financial losses and reputation damage.
- Unauthorized Access: If a business mobile device is compromised, unauthorized third parties can access sensitive information, resulting in data theft or misuse.
- Phishing Attacks/Social Engineering: Phishing attacks trick employees into revealing confidential information. Cybercriminals may pose as employees or business partners, posing a risk of data leaks or unauthorized system access.
- DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks flood mobile devices with excessive traffic or requests, causing server downtime. Malicious apps downloaded onto smartphones can initiate DDoS attacks, disrupting business operations and causing financial losses.
Measures for Companies Using Business Mobile Devices
Companies that utilize business mobile devices should take the following precautions:
- Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions: MDM solutions allow businesses to centralize device management. They enable policies like device lockdown and remote wipe to prevent data breaches.
- Adopt Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA requires additional authentication in addition to passwords, increasing security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access to mobile devices.
- Regular Software Updates: Frequent updates to the mobile device’s operating system and applications help patch vulnerabilities. Manufacturers offer security patches and updates to counter known threats.
- Employee Training: Regular security training for employees is crucial to raise awareness and prevent clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown apps.
The Importance of Dark Web Monitoring
Cyberattacks continue to evolve rapidly, and preventing them entirely is challenging. Modern cybersecurity focuses on both prevention and minimizing damage from attacks.
Effective dark web monitoring is a crucial component of cybersecurity. The dark web is known for illegal activities, including selling stolen data, malicious code, and hacking tools. Regular monitoring can help businesses detect data breaches early and take immediate action to minimize damage.
By recognizing the significance of protecting mobile devices in the workplace and implementing a combination of security measures and dark web monitoring, companies can enhance data security, maintain customer trust, and reduce the impact of cyberattacks.
