Mobile Device Security Important?
Mobile Device Security Important?
Mobile Device Security Important?
Leverage biometrics
Instead of relying on traditional methods of mobile access security, such as passwords, some companies are looking
to biometrics as a safer alternative. Biometric authentication is when a computer uses measurable biological
characteristics, such as face, fingerprint, voice, or iris recognition for identification and access. Multiple biometric
authentication methods are now available on smartphones and are easy for workers to set up and use.
Beware of apps
Malicious apps are some of the fastest growing threats to mobile devices. When an employee unknowingly
downloads one, either for work or personal reasons, it provides unauthorized access to the company’s network and
data. To combat this rising threat, companies have two options: instruct employees about the dangers of
downloading unapproved apps, or ban employees from downloading certain apps on their phones altogether.
EMAIL SECURITY: Email is the most popular way for hackers to spread ransomware and other malware. To
combat such attacks, it’s critical for businesses to be armed with advanced email security that can detect, block, and
address threats faster; prevent any data loss; and protect important information in transit with end-to-end
encryption.
ENDPOINT PROTECTION: This approach protects enterprise networks that are remotely accessed by
mobile devices. Endpoint security protects companies by ensuring that portable devices follow security standards
and by quickly alerting security teams of detected threats before they can do damage. Endpoint protection also
allows IT administrators to monitor operation functions and data backup strategies.
VPN: A virtual private network, or VPN, extends a private network across a public network. This enables users to
send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the
private network. VPNs’ encryption technology allows remote users and branch offices to securely access corporate
applications and resources.
SECURE WEB GATEWAY: A secure web gateway protects against online security threats by enforcing
company security policies and defending against phishing and malware in real-time. This is especially important
for cloud security as this type of protection can identify an attack on one location and immediately stop it at other
branches.
CLOUD ACCESS SECURITY BROKER: A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a tool that sits between
cloud service consumers and cloud service providers to enforce security, compliance, and governance policies for
cloud applications. CASBs help organizations extend the security controls of their on-premises infrastructure to the
cloud.
Firewalls & Transaction Security,
Firewalls are an important tool for data protection on traditional desktops and mobile endpoints alike.
A firewall is firmware or software that can manage the inbound and outbound traffic of a network or device. It
provides end-user devices with an added layer of security that contains rules about what traffic is allowed to flow in
and out.
In homes and businesses, firewalls block any unwanted incoming traffic from hackers attempting to infiltrate the
network or take advantage of open ports or known vulnerabilities in an internet-connected device. But as more
users rely on mobile devices and connect to public Wi-Fi and networks, adopting a mobile firewall to safeguard
devices is increasingly important as a first line of defense against cyber attacks.
As the popularity of remote work increases, so do the security risks that come with connecting to insecure networks
where hackers are lurking. When a mobile device connects to a compromised network, hackers may be able to
capture the device's incoming or outgoing traffic. Penetration testing tools such as those available in the Kali Linux
distribution provide hackers with an easy way to execute Wi-Fi attacks. They can pose as legitimate public
networks, and when a victim connects to one, all traffic can be routed to the attacker. In turn, the attacker can
analyze all the traffic to harvest private data such as web traffic, passwords and other sensitive company
information.
How do mobile firewalls work?
A mobile firewall eliminates some attacks that come from the network-based threats that a mobile device is
susceptible to. It works like a traditional hardware firewall, but in this case, it is on a mobile device, which can
connect to cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi. Using an application installed on the device, a mobile firewall
manages the flow of traffic in and out of a mobile device. It offers much of the same functionality that desktop and
server-based firewalls provide; the difference is that it runs on mobile devices and is much simpler to manage and
configure. A firewall app can also ensure that any connection made to a company's network or other services that
host private data is secure by using a virtual private network (VPN) feature
App-based mobile firewalls commonly offer the following features:
web filtering capabilities that can block some content that may be malicious or undesirable;
ability to block all incoming traffic and any attempt to exploit known device or mobile OS vulnerability;
automatic VPN to allow the mobile device to connect and transmit information securely;
ability to block known threats such as malware and other malicious attacks;
internet traffic controls to manage and implement browsing policies;
ability to stop data use as part of any data usage limitation;
custom internet rules relating to the type of traffic allowed to flow in and out;
app traffic controls to block streaming or unwanted app use;
ability to block spam or phishing links from email and SMS; and
traffic monitoring and reporting.
AFWall+
This Android-based app allows IT teams and users to restrict which applications can access a company's network. It
can control any traffic flowing, regardless of which type of network it originates from. IT can use the app to
manage rules around any external storage within the device and support multiple profiles, including Work, Home
and other desired user configurations. AFWall+ also can send notifications of new app installations.
NetProtector Firewall
This firewall app works in a similar fashion to some of the other popular firewalls in the Google Play store,
offering IT teams control of the outbound and inbound traffic to all their apps and supporting Wi-Fi or cellular
connection for each app. It also supports VPN connections, manages data usage and blocks any unwanted incoming
traffic to the device.