Mobile devices pose greater security risks. Those risks come in various forms. Devices, including business data stored on them, such as call logs, contacts, images, videos, documents, and email messages, can be lost or stolen.
If you use mobile apps or cloud software accounts with saved logins, it is possible that anyone can access your business data through those apps or accounts through a lost or stolen mobile device.
Devices used over secure connections, such as public Wi-Fi, can expose data to hackers and spies who steal login credentials, banking and credit card information, emails, and more. Mobile devices can serve as a back door for malware to enter your business network.
Obviously, it’s important to protect your devices and your company’s mobile data.
Here are some essential tips to save iphone from hackers. You can use it to protect your small business.
1. Use a secure lock screen
If someone gets a hold of your device, the last thing you want is for them to turn it on to access everything. The first line of defense is a secure screen lock. This could be a strong password or perhaps a biometric lock like a fingerprint scanner. That way, someone who happens to retrieve your lost device, for example, won’t have instant access.
2. Enable location settings
The best case scenario for a lost or stolen phone is to be able to find it quickly. You can greatly increase your chances of doing just that by enabling “location settings” ahead of time. For example, the Find My iPhone feature available for iPhones and iPads helps you identify where your lost device may be by ringing your phone and including a helpful screen prompt on how to contact you, the owner, as well as track your device. Similar services available for Android, Windows and Blackberry devices. Familiarize yourself in advance with the applicable service for your device. Find out what you can and cannot do.
3. Use a remote wipe security app
Remote wipe security apps give businesses the ability to “wipe” or lock devices remotely. The various location search services above include some level of protection against deletion or blocking. But many companies need more protection. Consider a remote wipe business app for all devices used by employees for business purposes. Some wireless providers provide this, as do some Internet security software providers. Don’t leave it up to each individual employee. A company-wide application can allow your system administrator to secure sensitive company data in the event an employee leaves their job (because the employee cannot replace security simply by resetting their individual account).
4. Use encryption
Encryption turns data into code that is not easily cracked. While not foolproof, encryption makes it difficult for hackers to intercept wirelessly transmitted data and communications.
5. Avoid open public Wi-Fi
Admit it: When you travel to conferences, stay in hotels, or work at the coffee shop, sometimes you depend on open and unsecured Wi-Fi, right? When you connect your mobile device to a public Wi-Fi network, you leave your data open for anyone else on that Wi-Fi network to access. If you work while you’re away from home, or if you travel a lot, consider investing in your own mobile hotspot, one that uses your wireless service provider’s network connection, and doesn’t rely on public Wi-Fi at the coffee shop.
6. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection features
For the reasons mentioned in point 5, make sure to turn off automatic Wi-Fi connection setup on your phone or tablet. Some devices have such a setting enabled. Turn them off so your device doesn’t connect to an insecure network without you realizing it.
7. Implement a virtual private network
A virtual private network, or VPN, is a type of connection that allows all remotely located devices to securely share data to and from the company network. Create a private encrypted tunnel for data to pass between mobile devices and your business systems.
8. Data Backup
You cannot completely prevent your device from being destroyed, such as in a car accident or being dropped from a boat. So, just in case, it’s a good idea to automatically back up your data and files, like photos and videos, to the cloud. That way, you can still access the data no matter what disaster befalls your device.
9. Research apps before downloading
If an app isn’t coming from a trusted source, it might be downloading malware or some other security threat to your device. Major app marketplaces like Google Play and the Apple Store have gotten good at spotting security issues in apps. However, before you download an app, do some research to make sure other users aren’t reporting security issues.
10. Use antivirus and security protection
Major security and antivirus software providers, such as Norton, Kaspersky, and McAfee, offer applications that protect mobile devices from viruses, spyware, and other malware that can enter and spread on your company network. Some network providers and wireless providers also provide security. Look for the mobile or multi-device protection app. Said software can be combined with a remote wipe/lock protection, with a double function.
These 10 techniques can make using mobile devices safer. But I would like to add an additional tip: keep an eye on your device. Do not let mobile devices leave your possession, or be away from them, even for a few minutes. When exiting planes, rental cars, taxis, Uber rides, restaurants, airport security checkpoints, trains, and other places where things tend to get left or fall out of bags or pockets, always check to make sure you have devices with you.
