Your technologically-savvy employees are always on the run, what can they do to ensure safety with their mobile devices? Because of all they can offer, smartphones and tablet devices are essential to many professions’ daily operations. However, as use rises, it’ll become more and more important to ensure that security for these mobile devices is able to adequately protect you from new and existing threats.

The need for proper phone security is no different than the need for a well-protected computer network. Gone are the days when the most sensitive information on an employee’s phone is contact names and numbers. Now a smartphone could grant access to any number of applications, emails and stored passwords. Depending on how your organization uses such devices, unauthorized access to the information on a smartphone or tablet could be just as damaging as a data breach involving a more traditional computer system.

Lost or Stolen Devices

To prevent someone from accessing a device once it’s been lost or stolen, the phone or tablet should be locked with a password. The password should be time sensitive, automatically locking the phone out after a short period of inactivity. Most devices come with such security features built in. But, depending on your cellphone provider, there are also services that allow you to remotely lockdown or erase a device in the event that it is lost or stolen.

Malicious Attacks

Mobile devices have the potential to be just as susceptible to malware and viruses as computers, yet many businesses don’t consider instituting the same type of safeguards. As reliance on these devices continues to grow, so will their attractiveness as potential targets. Third-party applications are especially threatening as a way for malware to install itself onto a device. Employees should never install unauthorized applications to their company devices.

Establish a Smartphone Policy

Before issuing smartphones to your employees, establish a device usage policy. Outline what does and does not constitute acceptable use and what actions will be taken if employees violate the policy. It’s important that employees understand the security risk inherent to smartphone use and their role in its mitigation. Well informed, responsible users act as an invaluable layer of security protecting mobile devices.

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