Mobile Device Security - A Growing Issue Today

Written by Comcity

Gone are the days when our various PINs and passwords were simply written on a post-it note and stored securely in our wallets or bags. As technology advances and the world becomes flatter, mobile devices now play a dominate role in every enterprise, as a result increased security of mobile devices has become essential.

Developments in IT and communications are rapid with ground-breaking mobile devices such as the Apple iPad, Windows Mobile or the new kid on the block; the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet appearing on the market at an astounding rate. The benefits for users convenience and productivity are obvious for today's 'hot-desk' work environments with busy executives ducking in and out of the office, checking emails on the fly and logging into the corporate network from remote locations. However with these big benefits come big security risks, therefore security and data protection has become an increasingly dominant focus for IT departments.  

  Security and data protection is an escalating issue, particularly when critical business information could be leaked into the hands of savvy hackers. Due to the fact that there is substantial confidential information warehoused in and transmitted from mobile devices, it is imperative that they remain absolutely secure.

 

Comcity tech experts offer some simple security measures in order to secure your mobile device:
1. Ensure you enable the PIN on the SIM card if this feature is available.
2. Always protect your user accounts on computers, pads and mobile phones with a password
3. Install antivirus, such as Symantec Mobile Antivirus for Windows Mobile.
4. Malware removal software, such as Ad-aware, is also a good idea for spyware and other malware.
5. As manufacturers release security updates, ensure they are installed on the device as soon as possible.
6. Encrypt confidential company information with software such as TrueCrypt.
7. Use a password vault to ensure your passwords are kept secure, such as LastPass.
8. Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks at a cafe or an airport, but use your phone's 3G connection instead.

At the very least, do not access sensitive data that requires passwords when connected to a public Wi-Fi, as anyone can pick these passwords from the Wi-Fi data stream.

Although hacking into an IT system is not easy, skilled hackers are trained to look for vulnerabilities and opportunities. Thieves are cunning and it is time we stepped up our security measures and awareness to ensure our personal and company information is remains safe.