Why Your Business Should Invest in Mobile Security
Do you know anyone who doesn’t have a mobile phone? Probably not. I’m sure you’re racking your brains trying to find that one person in your circle who doesn’t have a mobile phone. A rather herculean task, isn’t it?
Your experience is a nod to statistics indicating that about 5 billion of the world’s population are connected to a mobile phone. In less than 30 years, the mobile phone has evolved in leaps and bounds – from a brick-like device to a sleek-slim and portable device that basically runs our lives.
Aside from our personal lives, mobile phone technology has made significant inroads into the business world. Now, employees all over the world are encouraged to “bring your own device,” commonly referred to as BYOD.
As organizations march toward greater mobility — with employees increasingly logging in remotely and completing a good number of work-related tasks on mobile devices — the need to protect these devices has become dire. Case in point, one study revealed that 40% of employees check their work emails five times a day outside the office.
Gradually, the mobile phone has become a preferred mode of operation for many employers and employees alike. However, this preference comes with its associated risks – notably cyber crime.
At a Rate of Knots
Security threats are evolving at an alarming pace. Now, we are not just dealing with phishing attacks, viruses, and malware but these threats have morphed into crypto jacking, malvertising, punycodes, and the like.
And, mind you, no company is exempt. Even giant companies in the business world like Equifax, Uber, Yahoo, JP Morgan Chase, among others, have suffered crippling security breaches resulting in hefty data losses. These companies have had to fork out several millions of dollars in settlements while their reputations took a significant nosedive. For some of the companies, that breach marked the beginning of the end.
Mobile Phones. The Perfect Prey.
Hackers are always looking for the chink in the armor of companies they intend to sink. Sadly, mobile phones are often a weak spot in many a company’s security architecture. For instance, in 2018, mobile malware attacks rose to a monstrous 116.5 million – more than double the number from the previous year. This led to some dubbing 2018 the year of the mobile malware. Here are a number of reasons for this worrying trend.
Mobile Functionality: A cybercriminal smells blood where data transactions occur frequently. With the advent of mobile phones in business, data such as location data, personal and corporate login credentials, and audio recordings are readily up for grabs.
The Behavior of Mobile Users: Compared to the traditionally imposing setup of computers and servers in an office space where employees are on high alert, employees often let down their guard when using their mobile phones. This makes them a perfect prey for hackers.
Traditional Security: Traditional security places more emphasis on a networked computer setup in an office. Unfortunately, security for mobile devices, even with companies that employ BYOD, leaves much to be desired.
Mobile Apps
Applications can be a big problem with regards to mobile security. Apps like MyFitnessPal, TeenWipe, Air Canada, etc. have all suffered major breaches in their apps. Many high profile app data leaks can be traced to negligence.
While app stores like the Apple Store and Play Store have safeguards to preclude malicious apps, the odd naughty app sneaks through. Just recently, Google had to remove a number of apps from its play store because those apps were infected with malware.
Employees downloading apps from dubious sources can also compromise security. Providing security for your mobile technology that safeguards your apps from intrusion is crucial.
Mobile Security is No Longer an Option. It’s A Must.
It’s not all gloom and doom, however. Enterprises like Fraud Watch International have done a great job of providing solutions to mobile applications threats.
You can visit fraudwatchinternational.com/mobile-applications/what-is-mobile-app-security/ to read and find out more about the options available for you.
Don’t Wait for A Tailspin. Act Now.
Mobile security threats are on the rise. Instead of waiting for that tide to affect your business, put your best foot forward. Find mobile security solutions for your mobile devices in order to ensure no security threat thrives.
About the Author
Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.
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