Mobile Device Security

Mobile security is the security measures put in place to avoid risk and vulnerability of data and assets loss attached to using mobile computing devices like smartphones, laptops, Tablets etc.

What is so important about Mobile security?

1. The use of Mobile Devices is the future: Slowly and gradually technology has evolved from using stationary devices to mobile devices. Their dual desktop-computer ability, also their size and ability to also connect to the internet has made them a great choice for users since they can be used anywhere. The availability of a continuously upgraded operating system.
2. Because mobile devices are becoming increasingly affordable and portable, organizations and users now prefer to buy and use them over desktop computers. 
3. Check: Social Engineering: The pervasive art of deception

 Unfortunately, the increase in the use of mobile devices has inadvertently also increased the risk associated with it. With the adaptive features that mobile devices possess, the increase in ease of use has increased the need for enhanced security at every touchpoint. The new features and capabilities added to mobile devices are changing the way users authenticate their devices and how authorization has been provided on the devices, use of applications and network. As a result, these newly added features are also increasing the number of authentication loopholes and increasing risk.

 Today cybercrime perpetrators can hack into almost every mobile device such as car monitors, Gps, baby monitors, mobile phones, smartwatches, CCTV as well as smart health devices. A lack of mobile security can lead to compromising employee, business or customer data. If sensitive data, such as customer information or corporate intellectual property, are left without necessary security measures, such data can be put at risk. 

Mobile applications ask for a lot of privileges that can be hacked and will put such mobile devices and their network connections at risk. Mobile Applications due to some adverts or other means can be a means of introducing malware to mobile devices which comprises data on such mobile devices and their network. Android mobile devices are more susceptible to this type of risk.

How does mobile security work?

Unlike securing desktop PCs or network servers, there is no one single thing that an organization can do to ensure mobile device security. Which has resulted in organizations taking different measures to protect their devices. Some of these practices are concerned with the configuration of the devices themselves, while other practices are concerned with the way the user uses the device.

1. Device security: Many organizations now require that all devices be locked with a password or to require biometric authentication. Organizations also use mobile device security software that allows them to access matches to devices, check the operating systems that are used on devices and remotely wipe a device. 
2. Use of VPN: Organizations, IT staff and mobile users now encourage the use of VPN when connected to public wifi and education on data-stealing apps.
3. Password Managers: The use of password managers have been seeing increasing adoption in recent times, as it helps to reduce the stress of remembering a lot of passwords spread across various applications. The password manager works like a very secure vault that houses a user’s passwords.
4. Data Backup: The increasingly ubiquitous nature of these devices and their underlying susceptibility to risks has given way to data loss over the years. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure data important data remains accessible, regardless of the state of the mobile device.
5. Operating System Update: It has become essential to ensure that mobile devices remain updated by ensuring that the patch updates released are installed. Patches are always deployed as a result of risks identified by the OEM, which if not remediated can have a dire impact on the end-users.