Whether it’s replying to emails during your morning commute or logging into Slack while you enjoy a well-earned break, mobile devices have become indispensable to how we work. Laptops, smartphones, and tablets let us communicate and collaborate from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. This flexibility allows us to be just as productive on the move as we are in the office.
As with any innovation, there are drawbacks. Mobile devices are a gateway to sensitive corporate information and confidential client files, making them an extremely tempting target for hackers. So, it’s essential you have robust security measures in place to protect your data.
With that in mind, here are ten mobile device security best practices every business should implement.
Strengthen your defences with these mobile device security best practices
1. Create a mobile usage policy
A mobile usage policy establishes clear guidelines on how to use company-owned and personal devices safely. It outlines the security requirements staff must follow as well as the consequences for non-compliance.
Implementing a policy in your business ensures everyone follows the same standards and procedures, increasing your resilience to cyber threats.
Want to know more about the mobile threats facing small businesses? Check out our latest research report
2. Enable biometrics
Biometric authentication makes it harder for unauthorised users to access mobile devices. It replaces traditional verification methods, like passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs), with unique biomarkers – typically a fingerprint or face scan. These are difficult to crack without advanced technology, which means they’re more secure than simple six-digit PINs.
3. Encourage multi-factor authentication
Even the strongest passwords are crackable with enough time and the right tools. That’s why mobile device security best practice recommends activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all employee devices.
MFA is a security measure that requires two or more verification methods to access accounts, applications, or systems. This can be any combination of passwords, PINs, one-time codes, biometrics, or other reliable forms of authentication. It’s much harder for cybercriminals to break through multiple layers of security, which increases your protection against unauthorised access.
4. Encrypt devices
Encryption converts device data into unreadable code you need a key to access, keeping it safe from prying eyes. Most devices come with some form of built-in encryption. For example, Google encrypts all Pixel phones by default.
For added protection, consider investing in a mobile encryption app. These tools offer advanced security features such as hybrid encryption, secure messaging, and periodic code audits.
5. Stay on top of updates
Apple, Google, and Microsoft release security patches regularly to safeguard mobile devices against vulnerabilities. Install these updates as soon as they become available, or turn on automatic updates to ensure device security is always up to date.
6. Restrict app downloads
Unregulated, third-party app stores are breeding grounds for mobile malware and other cyber threats. To reduce your exposure, restrict app downloads to reputable sources. For example, the Apple App Store or Google Play.
It’s also sensible to review an app’s access permissions before installation and adapt them accordingly (if possible) to protect sensitive information.
7. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) masks your IP address and encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to monitor your activity and intercept sensitive data.
VPNs are essential when using public Wi-Fi networks, which offer little to no protection against hackers. Just remember that even the most advanced VPNs can’t make public networks entirely secure. As such, mobile device security best practices recommend avoiding unsecured networks unless absolutely necessary.
8. Back up critical data
Data backups are a crucial failsafe that enable you to recover important files quickly if a device is lost or stolen. For added peace of mind, follow the 3-2-1 rule. This recommends creating three copies of sensitive data on two different media, with one of them stored off-site.
Popular storage media include external hard drives, network-attached storage devices, and cloud storage platforms.
9. Run regular cybersecurity training
According to Verizon, 68% of data breaches involve a non-malicious human element. This covers everything from leaving a mobile device unattended in public places to falling victim to a phishing attack. Although it’s impossible to eliminate these risks entirely, educating staff in mobile device security best practices goes a long way to protecting your business.
10. Establish an incident response plan
No device is 100% immune to cyber threats. The important thing is how you react should the worst happen.
A clear and comprehensive incident response plan helps you contain device breaches and get back to business as usual faster. Additionally, employees feel more confident responding to cyber threats and feel more comfortable reporting them, helping you spot threats earlier.
(Best) practice makes perfect
In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, mobile security is no longer optional. Following these mobile device security best practices help you lay a solid foundation for your cybersecurity. Deployed alongside specialist mobile security tools, they protect your business from the financial, operational, and reputational consequences of a data breach.
Did you know 59% of SMEs provide no mobile cybersecurity training to staff? Find out why this is a problem and what to do about it in our SME Mobile Threat Report.