As business apps and the use of mobile devices become more of a standard in the workplace today, companies need to be aware of the inherent risks involved.
Hacker-made fake apps and compromised personal mobile devices can be detrimental to the security of corporate and private information, so to keep safe, the risks need to be understood.
There are more apps made by businesses for their services than ever before, but the fact is that less than 50% of them are tested before reaching the market, and less than 33% are tested for security. More than half of the companies that require work to be done on mobile devices allow employees to bring their personal devices to the workplace, and of those that provide devices for employees, more than half allow the download of insecure apps.
Given those startling figures, keep in mind the following information about malware apps and device security:
- Devices provided by the company need to be prepared for suspicious apps.
To keep employees from accidentally downloading a disguised malware app intended to steal sensitive information, companies need to install security measures that scan source code and executables for any suspicious material.
- Companies that allow work to be done on personal devices need to prepare for “device risk”.
The app is only as safe as the device it is downloaded on to. If your employees are doing professional work on their own devices, be aware that any compromise in their mobile device’s security can affect the safety of the information involved in that work.
- Users need to be wary of app permissions and jail-broken tech.
Both in personal and professional capacities, be aware that apps which ask for excessive permission to different facets of the mobile device may be suspect, so always be wary of what you’re allowing when an app is downloaded to a device.
In the ever-changing age of mobile technology, keep your business safe from new threats by preparing for every possible vulnerability. For more information on mobile device security, contact Compunet InfoTech at (604) 986-8170 or email: info@compunet.ca.
