4 Ways To Protect The Corporate Data On Your Mobile Devices
In a world where 73% of internet consumption comes from mobile devices, the importance of cybersecurity is expanding from traditional electronics to mobile devices. Mobile security is especially becoming a priority for companies because so many of their employees have access to sensitive data on their smartphones.
According to a 2018 report by the Ponemon Institute, the cost of a corporate data breach has increased 6.4 percent in the last year alone. A single data breach can cost up to 5.8M$ for Canadian companies. It is also important to consider that companies have more than a one in four chance of experiencing a data breach in the next two years, 28% to be more precise.
There are many ways to keep corporate and personal data safe from potential threats.
Strong passwords
Simple and commonly-used passwords on devices and online accounts increases chances for fraudulent access to your sensitive data. Requiring your employees to have strong passwords and reminding them to change their passwords frequently is extremely important. 25% of workers say they change their password at work only when the system tells them to.
What is worse than having a weak password? No password at all! 75 million smartphones in the US don’t have a password set up. Although a password doesn’t protect you entirely, it’s a good start!
WiFi interference
Mobile devices are only as secure as the network through which they transmit data, meaning that by connecting to public WiFi networks could cause potential risk.
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while travelling or on-the-go is risky for a “man-in-the-middle attack”, in which when someone maliciously intercepts communication between the two parties.
Nearly a quarter of corporate devices have connected to open Wi-Fi networks, and 4% of devices have encountered a man-in-the-middle attack in the last month alone.
Out-of-date devices
Smartphones, tablets and smaller connected devices pose a new threat to corporate security because they generally don’t come with guarantees of timely and ongoing software updates. When a device is no longer able to be updated, it becomes less secure. Keep your cybersecurity game strong by renewing devices once they can’t be updated anymore.
Decommissioned devices
Dispose of your corporate mobile devices with a partner that will provide data security, financial incentives, & environmental responsibility. According to a Blancco study, 67% of used drives sold on eBay and Craigslist hold identifiable information, and 11% contain sensitive corporate data.
Working with a domestic partner will help your company avoid security & environmental concerns. Electrobac’s Buybac service is a great choice for working with a Canadian partner. In addition, the Buybac Service is certified by the RQO and EPRA to ensure the highest processing standards are applied at all times.
Find out more at www.buybac.ca
