Information security specialists are fond of using certain terms that define common security threats to organisations and businesses these days. One such interesting term from their glossary, “attack surface”, is used to identify potential threats to a business’s financial assets, information and intellectual property.
Whenever such a successful attack happens, that can lead to financial loss, legal infringement and regulatory violations and of course damage to reputation. By limiting exposure to unwelcome or unsolicited access, it is possible to deal with attack surfaces effectively. Information security experts define these preventive measures as “defense in depth.”
The line of defense is generally strategised by developing multiple layers of protection around the organisation’s valuable information and assets. Thus, even if one layer gets breached, the other layers prevent intrusion by bad guys. Here, however, we focus on one key area that is enterprise mobile security that has become a matter of concern for many businesses.
Five common security threats for mobile enterprise
Mobile devices nowadays create endless substantial opportunities to drive measurable and material value for the enterprise. Sadly, though, these benefits come with some serious security risks like:
- Wi-Fi network and public hotspot without Spam filtering or threat management
- Virus and malware which remain undetected
- File transfer in an unsafe environment
- The device goes missing or is stolen
- Ambiguous corporate policies that do not address growing technology threats
From the above discussion, you must have got a clear picture of probable mobile security threats, and how these can impede your organisation’s growth and harm its market reputation. So, now let us turn attention towards five strategic measures that can be easily adopted to strengthen enterprise mobile security.
Make your mobile communications secure
Talk to any enterprise application development expert, and he would suggest immediate encryption of your entire mobile device communications. Why so? It is required because any wireless communications can be easily intercepted and tampered. If you consult any experienced enterprise application developer, then he would further suggest setting up of the VPN (Virtual Private Network) between mobile devices and your company’s system or cloud-based setup.
Mobile devices need to be updated with anti-malware software
It is a known fact now that Android and iOS mobile operating systems are falling prey to some serious malware threats. So if you are providing mobile devices to your employees or contractors then equip them with the best anti-malware software. You can purchase such software from the market. However, a safer approach would be to hire a custom application development company to create and implement anti-malware policies matching your organisation’s specific security needs.
Keep a check on third-party software installations
Many organisations have adopted this policy whereby they are restricting or blocking third-party software use by employees. And this strategy is delivering results, too. Third-party software restriction prevents possible security breaches that may arise due to unintended download and installation of rogue software
While you can encourage Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy for your employees, at the same time you need to implement necessary security measures to monitor and control the remote virtual work environment. If needed, you can customise the BYOD solution by consulting a competent cross-platform mobile app developer.
Opt for customised gateways
When you have special gateway armed with customised firewalls and tight security check, it ensures peace of mind. Firewall customisation enables you to set up different protocols and filters for your valuable data and contents. This way your mobile workforce knows what they should do or do not do while working away from the office. Before implementing such special gateways, it is important to decide what kind of applications or systems your mobile users needs to access. You can consult any efficient enterprise application developer for the purpose.
Conduct mobile security audits on regular basis
You can hire any reputable software security testing firm to audit your organisation’s mobile security policies. These firms also conduct penetration testing and offer solutions to security issues that get revealed during the process. Make sure you hire a professional company only who has the expertise to carry out such audit check.
By adopting the above-mentioned measures, you can instill a sense of security in the mind of employees, contractors and other parties. Thus, you empower them to enjoy some incredible benefits that only enterprise mobility can offer. At the same time, you safeguard your business goodwill by exercising proper compliance and necessary practices.
