A recent study conducted by a mobile giant – Verizon, indicated that mobile phones are an open invitation to all hackers and spammers; thanks for the business community for reporting all the mobile threats that they are witnessing.
The study took companies as a sample and surveyed them to get to know more about the threats they have faced.
Let’s begin the survey;
- It was found that ⅚ respondents claimed that their organization is at risk due to mobile threats while 29% said it is an alarming situation to the organization’s data and sensitive files.
This risk could possibly be tackled with care, but some industries are failing to evolve accordingly or are falling behind to adopt; don’t worry! Verizon didn’t isolate this concern. You’ll find all the weaknesses for such a shortfall underneath; the survey has carefully highlighted the vital weak points of the mobile data threats and how it can be improved.
For your better understanding, we’re dividing the study into different sections, so that you can get the data in the right manner.
The Business Security Study
Verizon’s study, “It’s Time to Tackle Mobile Security” is dealing with mobile security threats in companies and how they are planning to tackle the attack. The results are indicating that many of the companies were and are concerned about the danger of their corporation, but not many of them are prepared to handle it.
Now, get some real-time data!
- 62% of the attacks were not alarming, but 41% of the companies said that the mobile phones were their biggest cybersecurity concern even if the security policies were in place.
- Among that 41 %, many claimed that the after-effects of the mobile security breach were disastrous.
- 33% of the survey witnessed the compromisation of mobile security; that is 27% up from the last year.
- Among them, 63% firmly believed they would spot and target security issues but later found out that the security breaches occurred from a third party.
How secure workplace mobile security is? Let’s find it out!
Findings of the Workplace Mobile Security?
The study revolves around a wide range of corporations to find the most harmed ones; among them, a financial sector with an arguably 93% increase found to be highly targeted and bears the most losses among all the industries. Rest were;
- Professional services (88%) and
- Education sector grossing (86%).
Despite the current state of security, the pressure to meet and cater to deadlines by staff members have an increasing effect on security; close to 12% of respondents claimed that their organization had necessary security measures including:
- Change all default passwords
- Regularly test security systems
- Restrict access on “need to know basis.”
- Encrypt all sensitive data.
Click through to know all the major threats.
Considering the Major Threats on Mobile
The biggest threat of mobile that was pinpointed – malware, among all the issues highlighted in the Verizon report. Comparing PC and mobile, the mouse functionality on mobile is not present to cross-check a URL before tapping on it. Through a mobile, checking the legitimacy of a website is a difficult task because as the user scrolls, the URL stays hidden unless you click on it.
But, users on desktops or PCs find it easy to check the website for suspicious malware or its HTTPS certificate to mark it as a red flag. Study states, multiple companies are not prohibiting apps that the employees are downloading and scammers are trying to evolve schemes by using new variants including deleter, that erases files and sensitive data.
Now, some preventive measures.
Can Businesses Still Be Safe From Mobile Threats?
For starters YES, if you want your company and staff to be safe from mobile malware, you can follow the protocols below:
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Avoid Public Networks
This is an old habit which no one refuses to throw out. Public Wi-Fi is a great service when you jump on your smartphones for conducting your business transactions, which will eventually lead to hacker scams and hacks. This is partially true if you are willing to connect over a password-free public Wi-Fi, it’s always best to avoid it and make use of a VPN service to hide your online presence and remain safe; for both, business and personal usage.
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Update Your Operating System
Not keeping your devices updated is a big risk in itself because your device remains vulnerable to unlimited threats that the update could have fixed or resolved. Software attacks occur when hackers find ways to penetrate and infiltrate patches that are later exploited. It’s a fast evolving market where it’s essential to keep your commercial phones and devices updated.
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Make Smart Choices when Considering Passwords
Nowadays the trend has shifted; we’ve multiple accounts for personal, work and social media platforms; trying to remember passwords for all would be a hassle hence users keep the same passwords for all accounts. That is the biggest blunder which should be avoided.
Password Managers need to be kept in place and make use of to secure passwords in a master vault. Re-using the same password is suicide for any individual or entity and its better to change this habit.
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Avoid Malicious Apps
With apps being created in large numbers – DO NOT be tempted to download catchy apps which serves no purpose in your business mobile, instead, stick to verified official apps. iOS has the upper hand in this as its apps are far safer and secure than Android.
Check with your IT department to send notices to employees and stop this malpractice.
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Antivirus Apps
This doesn’t need any introduction as we all are familiar with antivirus apps. It’s the safest and easiest way to secure your phone whether its Android, iOS, Windows or any other OS. Search for the best Antivirus software like Bitdefender Total Security or go through authentic review websites.
Run the app on your business phone, and it will manage all your services and keep all the malicious activities away; make sure to purchase the paid antivirus and not the free one.
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