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Find out if your mobile data security checks all the boxes

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Whether you own a small business or work for a large, multinational corporation, mobile data security should be something that’s part of fabric of your organization and among the primary missions of your IT department. After all, with the explosion of cloud adoption and the ability to use “bring your own device” (BYOD) technology, virtually anyone in your company can access your data at any time. And that can leave you vulnerable to hacks, viruses and other attacks.

 

Of course, you probably know this – and you probably already have a mobile data protection plan in place. But is what you’re paying for giving you the level of protection that you need against today’s increasingly menacing mobile security threats? Let’s take a look at some of the features that really matter when choosing a mobile security solution.

  • Device-level containers or personas. In a BYOD scenario, using device-level containers or personas allows your IT team to create a space, or container, on a user’s device where your business’s apps can live – and be subject to specific protocols. This way, security measures won’t have to be applied to the entire phone, your data is protected, and the device can still be used for personal purposes without being inconvenient to operate.
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  • Mobile Application Management. With a MAM approach to mobile data security, your IT team can give your staff access to specific apps that they can use for work. Because the apps are overseen by your IT team, they can retain the ability to remove them remotely – which can be beneficial if one of your employees were to lose his or her device, or someone were to leave the company under less-than-favorable circumstances.
  • Encryption Protocols: When it comes to mobile security solutions, encryption protocols and technology can be combined to protect your data virtually anywhere. Look for a solution that uses a combination of protocols and technology, like Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer (TLS/SSL), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256, and BitLocker encryption, among others. This will allow you to cast a wider net and protect your data more thoroughly than if you had settled for a solution that used just one of these protocols.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication. When you use a solution that features multi-factor authentication and a single sign on, it will help protect access to data and apps and give your team an easy way to use the files they rely on. Authentication verification options may include a phone call, text message, or mobile app notification – all of which are quick and easy to respond to. In addition, some multi-factor authentication solutions use real-time security monitoring and machine-learning-based reports that identify inconsistent sign-in patterns that can help keep your IT team apprised of any suspicious activity so they can act on it swiftly.

With BYOD practices booming for businesses large and small, it’s no longer enough to focus on mobile device security. Instead, it’s critical to implement a mobile data protection plan that covers all of the ways your team can access your data. And while no one security measure will protect your organization from threats, if you look for a solution that combines measures, is updated regularly, and adheres to both national and international standards, you can put a system in place that delivers state-of-the-art protection for your data – no matter where or how it’s accessed.

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Business Insights and Ideas does not constitute professional tax or financial advice. You should contact your own tax or financial professional to discuss your situation.

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