Roughly 85% of workers utilize mobile devices for work-related tasks with no signs of slowing down. If you want to protect your brand’s reputation without costly data breaches, you should safeguard these indispensable tools. This comprehensive guide will discuss actionable strategies you can employ to protect sensitive business data on employee mobile devices.
Risks of Unprotected Employee Mobile Devices
Employees’ mobile devices are open to criminal behavior when they use unauthorized apps, outdated software, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Loss of a gadget might also result in data breaches.
Sometimes, employees can use mobile devices on malicious websites when shopping, further compromising organization or company data.
Simple Ways Safeguard Employee Mobile Devices
Businesses can safeguard mobile devices to avoid unauthorized access and data breaches.
A. Providing VPNs
VPNs allow your employees to use mobile devices through a secure connection. Unlike unsecured networks, a private virtual network creates an encrypted connection and helps the user to create some anonymity. This makes it difficult for cybercriminals to guess the geographical location.
The importance of choosing the right VPN for business. Even when on a budget, businesses can select a VPN solution with reliable security features. As you grow, you can choose a service that aligns with your business needs. That said, you should do a cost-benefit analysis by selecting a provider.
B. Implementing remote wipe capabilities
The functionality of remote wiping will safeguard the integrity of sensitive corporate data in case of device loss or theft. Your IT teams employ a centralized platform for effective remote device management. Remote wipe capability prevents data breaches (regardless of location) and minimizes reputation damage to company data. Additionally, it protects valuable intellectual property and guarantees confidentiality when dealing with sensitive data. Businesses can handle this core function by ensuring there is 24/7 availability of IT services. So, if an employee loses a device, the team can take quick action to protect company data.
C. Implementing secure password storage solutions
Password managers allow users to access strong passwords and eliminate guesswork from unauthorized parties. If an employee has several online accounts, this essential tool can create complex passwords. Even better, the auto-fill feature saves time and effort for the user.
You must educate your workers on why they should use strong passwords to reduce the risk of reputational damage and online fraud. A culture of open communication will lower the risk of security breaches.
D. Enforcing mobile device encryption
You can lower the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information by enforcing mobile device encryption tactics in your business. Integrate encryption protocols into mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
With MDM, you can enforce encryption policies in your organization by specifying the encryption standards. If an employee is working remotely, the administrator can manage the keys to reduce the risk of human error when dealing with sensitive data. If a device doesn’t meet the encryption requirement, you can take corrective actions.
Conclusion
Safeguarding data on your employees’ mobile devices is a crucial step to protecting sensitive company information. You should minimize the risk of data leaks by employing strategies that ensure data protection is paramount. That said, businesses should prioritize cybersecurity measures by choosing the right VPN, implementing remote wipe capabilities, using password managers, and enforcing mobile device encryption.
