I cannot think of any business we deal with that does not have at least one person in the company checking their emails using a smartphone. Often these devices belong to the employee, not the company. A level of trust that works fine for most – until someone has their phone (or a tablet) stolen. So don’t forget to consider Smartphone security when thinking about the safety of your business emails.
So what can you do? Well the challenge is that if people are using their personal devices you will never have full control. So the best thing you can do is help, educate, inform and remind.
Have A Policy
Don’t assume your employees know all the risks and make all the right decisions. They may have no understanding of what they need to do to stay safe. One way to tackle this is to set out clearly what you think is appropriate use on a smartphone or tablet. Also, detail exactly what the employee should do if their phone is stolen or there has been a data breach.
Basic Smartphone Security
All mobile devices give the user the ability to use passcodes, fingerprint authentication and facial recognition. This protects the owner of the smartphone/tablet too, so be nice and help them set it up. If you make it easy for them they will probably do it.
Unsecured WiFi
All mobile devices give the user the ability to use passcodes, Many people connect to WiFi in restaurants, shops, and public WiFi. Unsecured networks are … well… unsecure. Again, make sure everyone knows the risks and takes steps to ensure Smartphone security. If someone travels a lot consider paying for a service for them that you know will be secure
Consider 3rd Party Apps
We have all heard the stories of where someone has in good faith downloaded a neat app and given the developers access to all their data. Ensure everyone understands the risks.
Updates
If there is any security loophole responsible manufacturers and developers will quickly issue an update to fix them. So ensure the phone/tablet owner regularly downloads and installs updates. Again, make it easy for them and offer to download the updates for them if necessary.
Consider MDM
Think about investing in mobile device management. This will enable you to lock any device that has been stolen or you think is being used inappropriately. Many people have loads of confidential data on their phone – pictures, personal accounts, passwords. Again, if you are nice and set it up for them, they will probably love the extra security.
The key to making personal devices secure is to remember that most people worry about these things for their own data and privacy. So tap into that and help them make everything more secure. Don’t assume that everyone will know and understand the risks – educate. Train people on what to look for and how to be safe.
The Technology Tamed Service
We can help you evaluate the risks for your organisation. Our initial consultation to chat about what you want to achieve is free of charge. Email glen@technologytamed.com or phone him on 01787 881475.
Rebecca Mansbridge
Director
October 2022
If you found this article of interest you might also want to read Improve Your IT Security Step 1: Check Your Firewalls