How to Improve Mobile Security for Small Businesses

 Believe it or not, the average American spends around four hours every day looking at their cell phone. Whether that person is looking for information, entertainment, or both, they typically go to their smartphone because it is accessible and easy to use However, that person also opens themselves up to various threats whenever they unlock their smartphone. This is why it is so important that businesses Improve Mobile Security for Small Businesses

We often put so much emphasis on securing desktops and hard drives that we ignore the phones in our pockets. It is as easy to hack a cell phone as it is to hack a desktop or a laptop.

If you run a small business, then you need to make sure that the phones that your employees use are protected. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. So keep on reading and we will walk you through everything that you are going to want to know. 

1. Use a Virtual Private Network

A VPN, or virtual private network, is something that is becoming more and more widely used these days. They work like regular networks, but with extra layers of security and privacy. Basically, a VPN will let a mobile user access the internet without giving away important information, such as business details, operating system, location, and more.

You can use applications that let your workers access the internet via a VPN. There are some free VPN services while others have a monthly fee. The best part is that employees can do their jobs safely and can effectively evade hackers. 

VPNs will also allow your employees to access information that otherwise might only be allowed to people in a certain geographical location. 

2. Encrypt the Data in Your Phone’s Storage Space

A great way to protect your mobile information is with data encryption. This will make sure that the personal details of your clients and your workers stay confidential. Some phones will let you encrypt your data in storage automatically.

With other devices, you may have to do it manually with an app. When a file is encrypted, it can’t be accessed by a third party. This can be useful if the phone gets stolen. As a result of this, your company’s information stays private and only known to you.

It is also possible to encrypt data on a memory card. This can be done with your phone’s settings and it provides a reliable way to keep important information safe. 

3. Update the Operating Systems of Your Business Phones

It doesn’t matter if you are using an iPhone or an Android phone. It is very important that you keep your operating system up to date. This is important because a manufacturer typically releases security solutions to patch up vulnerabilities in the device. 

A hacker is going to quickly learn about what the vulnerabilities in a phone are and they are going to exploit that. If you have an updated operating system, then the vulnerabilities should be fixed automatically and easily. 

Make sure that the business phones are updated as soon as an update becomes available. 

4. Use Complex Passwords for Smartphones and Some of Their Apps

If you store important information in your company devices, then you need to make sure that you are using passwords to lock the devices. These passwords can’t be easy to guess. 

This is going to stop people who are not authorized to access the information from stealing it and using it for malicious purposes.

At the same time, it is possible to lock some apps with passwords. For example, you can do this for documents, emails, and other applications that might contain sensitive data. 

Some of these applications offer features like password-locking for free. Other apps might come at a price.

In any instance, they offer another layer of security to your mobile devices. 

5. Use an Antivirus Program

By not using an antivirus program, you open your mobile devices up to all kinds of malware. An antivirus system that comes with a powerful firewall can monitor outbound and inbound connections.

The firewall can prevent bad actors from getting into your device remotely and even getting remote access to your computers too. 

There are a lot of great antivirus programs that don’t cost anything. These programs provide basic protections. And they let you scan your device often.

Just make sure that the virus definitions in these programs get updated. This way, they can catch more sophisticated and newer viruses before they are able to steal your information. 

6. Download Apps From Trusted Sources Only

Phone apps that end up on the App Store and Google Play are checked for spyware, malware, viruses, and other internet threats. It is safe for your workers to download from these platforms and you can also contact developers with ideas and suggestions for improvements. Downloading trusted apps is a big part of mobile device management.

At the same time, try to stay away from applications that come from third-party, untested sources. These are typically applications that are made by amateur developers or bad actors. 

The Importance of Knowing How to Improve Mobile Security for Small Businesses

Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now have a better idea of how to improve mobile security for small businesses. As we can see, it isn’t that difficult to keep your company’s mobile security in good order. But it’s very important that you check on your security often and update everything regularly.

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