Three years into the global pandemic, one thing is clear: remote work is here to stay. Whether fully remote, hybrid, or using mobile devices on the go, it boosts productivity and reduces office costs.
However, it also increases security risks. Employees accessing company data via laptops, phones, or tablets often use unsecured networks or overlook potential threats.
Keeping data safe in this mobile-first world requires updated tools and practices beyond traditional, office-based cybersecurity.
Why Mobile Device Security Matters More Than Ever
The way we work has transformed—often from our kitchen tables, local coffee shops, or anywhere with a decent Wi-Fi signal. As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, our reliance on smartphones, tablets, and laptops has skyrocketed. While this freedom can boost productivity and happiness (and save us from commuting headaches), it also opens the door to new cybersecurity risks that simply didn’t exist when everyone was tethered to a single office network.
When you’re working from just about anywhere, connecting to public Wi-Fi or unfamiliar networks can leave your device—and sensitive company info—vulnerable to attacks. It’s much easier for cybercriminals to target data when devices aren’t protected by traditional corporate firewalls or when employees might not recognize suspicious links or pop-ups.
To adapt to this new landscape, it’s crucial to put fresh security practices in place. The tools and habits that worked for desktop computers in a locked office don’t always translate to the mobile world. That’s why thoughtful, up-to-date mobile security strategies are essential now more than ever.
Mobile Device Security: Best Practices
With cybersecurity threats rising every day, keeping your mobile devices secure has never been more important. 😔 Here are 7 key practices we recommend to help protect your devices and data.
1. Enable Strong User Authentication
Mobile devices are easy to lose or steal, so always enable a screen lock with a password or PIN. Biometric options like Face ID help, but adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides extra security. Make sure every device verifies your identity to protect sensitive data.
2. Manage Passwords Safely
Passwords aren’t going away, and remembering them can be a hassle, especially with frequent changes. A password manager securely stores your passwords and generates strong, unique ones, so you don’t have to reuse easy-to-guess info like pet names or birthdays. Even as some platforms move toward passwordless options, passwords remain crucial for protecting sensitive and corporate data.
3. Keep Your Operating System Up to Date
Outdated software increases your risk of being hacked. Keep your devices updated with automatic updates and restart when prompted. Avoid public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as hackers can intercept sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers.
4. Steer Clear of Public Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky. Hackers can intercept your traffic and access sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers. If you must use it, use a VPN to encrypt your connection—but even then, it’s not completely safe. Most people ignore these risks; don’t be one of them.
5. Enable Remote Lock and Data Wipe
Every business should have a BYOD policy that includes remote lock and data wipe. If a device is lost or stolen, the company can lock it or erase its data to protect sensitive information.
Since BYOD devices often contain personal data, employees should be informed of this policy in advance. Remote lock and wipe are considered essential security measures by IT experts.
6. Ensure Cloud Security and Regular Backups
Employee-owned mobile devices accessing public cloud apps increase the risk of data loss. Always back up your cloud data to ensure access if a device is lost or stolen.
Choose a cloud platform with version history, like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Dropbox, and consider a cloud-to-cloud backup to protect files beyond the standard retention period.
7. Leverage Mobile Device (MDM) and Application Management (MAM)
Mobile security is a top priority in IT. How can users access data remotely while keeping it safe on potentially unprotected devices? The answer lies in Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM).
MDM manages and monitors employee devices like phones, tablets, and laptops, while MAM focuses on the apps on those devices, such as Microsoft 365 and authenticator apps. Together, they prevent unauthorized access to company networks and data.
Both solutions should be implemented and managed by IT experts, in-house or outsourced. Applying these 7 mobile security best practices and enforcing strong policies will greatly enhance your protection.
Once these basics are in place, you can further strengthen security with our Guide to Remote Work Security.
