With Heightened Productivity Comes the Need to Mitigate Mobile Security Threats

It has been predicted that by the year 202 nearly ⅔ of America’s workforce will use their mobile device or smartphone when carrying out their regular working duties. In fact, more than 60% of employees already do so.

Several companies have already made the shift towards permitting their employees to use their own device, as part of a company BYOD plan.  With the increase in technology adoption, and in order to keep pace with skyrocketing trends, businesses and IT management are wise to pay attention to mobile security threats.

Limiting Mobile Security Threats in the Mobile Business Age

The answer begins with the development of a strict security policy. If a business permits their staff to connect with the corporate data system through their personal device or smartphone, they need to take steps to ensure that they are doing so safely.

Businesses not planning to do this would be better off issuing company owned devices to those members of their workforce who need them and, in turn, forbidding access through personal devices.

However, in the long run, this will likely cost the business more money than it would have to just create and enforce a policy and allow employees to bring their own devices.

There are a few steps that businesses can take to lessen mobile security threats.

• Take steps to ensure that all data is routinely backed up
• Require the installation of company-approved security software
• Block any unapproved apps
• Report security breaches immediately
• Consent to the consequences of noncompliance

Eventually, the use of personal devices in the workplace will become the accepted norm. Businesses have already started to recognize the great benefits of BYOD programs, especially in terms of productivity and even cost savings.

Just as technology expands, so does the ways in which criminals are using technology to their own advantage.

Companies must take the necessary steps to safeguard their information and data. Mobile device and security policies are some of the ways that can be done.