smaller organizations are especially vulnerable to cyber security breeches due to the fact that they are more likely to have serious operational ramifications. This is true for businesses that use the Internet of Things.
What gets overlooked in this conversation is the vulnerability of portable devices, so just how worried should modern companies be about mobile hacking, and what can they do to prevent it?
Mobile malware is increasingly common
This year alone, there has been a 500 percent rise in the number of malicious code targeting mobile devices, with this code designed to steal private data, spy on users, and more, all from within a mobile device.
Many infections occur after third-party applications are installed from unofficial app stores, with Android being the most frequently impacted by this type of attack as a result of its more loose attitude to user control and open-source nature.
Apple phones are in the firing line, so there is no room for lulling.
There is a risk with connected business networks. If a company has sensitive data compromised in an attack, they are at risk of regulatory reprisals and reputational damage, as well as the steep costs of recovering from hacks.
How to keep mobile data secure
There is good news regarding mobile hacking in that steps to secure valuable information contained on portable devices can be taken.
It’s a good idea to install security and privacy software.
Businesses can stop potential attacks at the earliest possible stage, and also check their devices for potential infections, with the help of the likes of Certo.
Ensuring that employees are up to speed with best practices.
The security systems you put in place can be rendered redundant by one mistake made by an employee.
Ensuring that you have good best practices for business mobile use in place and that team members are trained to adhere to them is the answer.
Personal device use is explored.
It makes sense for businesses to embrace a bring-your-own-device culture with employees allowed to use personal phones at work.
It can be a free-for-all. If non-business devices are included, you need to take security very seriously.
Setting parameters for use, requiring that security software is installed, and even using a mobile device management platform to give you a degree of control over employee phones will minimize the risks involved.
The data needs to be backed up.
Mobile devices can fail if they are used to store data which isn’t backed up elsewhere. It’s important to back up this info regularly and remotely because it might be rendered unavailable by a hack.
You can use the cloud to save and backup files, or you can use in-house server to do it.
Network access needs to be restricted and monitored.
It is not only mobile devices which are vulnerable in their own right, but also your in-house business systems which are connected to the same network.
Having a separate access point for employees and customers, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, will give you the edge over cyber criminals.
Conclusion
The short answer is that mobile hacking poses a threat to businesses, but they have the tools and the opportunities to prevent attackers from succeeding in their aims; they just have to choose to use them.
