INTRODUCTION
Mobile device is a small hand-held device that has a display screen with a keyboard like your smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart watches. Mobile security are security measures designed to protect sensitive data and information stored on your mobile devices. Securing mobile devices is crucial for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) as these devices often contain sensitive corporate data. This is why cybersecurity protocols on mobile devices for SMBs should be strictly adhered to protect their data on local device and device connected endpoints and their network equipment.
Here are ten essential ways to protect mobile devices from cyber attackers in an SMB environment:
1. Mobile Device Management (MDM): Implementation of Mobile Device Management solutions to enforce security policies on mobile devices is very crucial. MDM enables features such as remote device wipe, encryption enforcement, and the ability to control app installations.
2. Use Strong Authentication: Implementation and usage of strong authentication methods, such as biometrics, PINs, or passwords, to ensure that only authorized users can access mobile devices. SMBs must enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security on their mobile devices. This method is often called 2-step-authentication.
3. Regularly Update Operating Systems and Apps: Regular operating systems update is very paramount and as such keeping mobile operating systems and applications up to date to patch vulnerabilities must be adhere to. Enabling automatic updates, when possible, to ensure that devices are protected against known security threats.
4. Secure Wi-Fi Connections: SMBs should encourage the use of secure Wi-Fi networks, such as WPA3, and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without proper security measures. Secondly, Use Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections for additional security when accessing corporate resources remotely. Also disable unnecessary services, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC when not in use, to reduce the attack surface. Restrict access to features that may pose security risks, such as camera and location services, based on business requirements.
5. App Permissions and Source Verification: An app permission sends a notification to ask for permission before other features can be used on your device. SMBS should always review and understand the permissions requested by mobile apps before installation. Secondly, SMBs can download apps only from official app stores and be cautious about sideloading apps from unknown sources to avoid downloading malicious software on their mobile device.
6. Remote Wiping and Tracking: Remote wiping is a security feature that allows the owner of a device to send a command that remotely deletes data from a computing device. It enables remote tracking and wiping functionalities for mobile devices to protect sensitive data in case of loss or theft. SMBs must also ensure that employees are aware of these features and know how to report a lost or stolen device promptly.
7. Containerization and Mobile Application Management (MAM): The usage of Containerization solutions or Mobile Application Management tools to separate and secure business apps and data from personal apps on mobile devices.This helps maintain better control over corporate business information and prevent data leakage or loss.
8. Implement a Mobile Security Policy: By SMBs developing and enforcing a comprehensive mobile security policy outlining acceptable use, security protocols, and consequences for policy violations. They must regularly communicate and train employees on the mobile security policy.
9. Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) Solutions: Invest in Mobile Threat Defense solutions that can detect and mitigate mobile-specific threats, such as malware, malicious apps, and network attacks. These solutions provide an additional layer of protection beyond traditional and old security measures.
10. Monitor Mobile Device Usage Patterns: By establishing baselines for normal mobile device usage patterns and behaviors. Monitor deviations from these patterns, as they could indicate security incidents or unauthorized access. This is very necessary for SMBs to protect their mobile devices
