Corporate Mobile Device Security

The Renwick Group recommends 10 ways to secure your mobile devices.

In your mobile device you also carry a significant collection of important personal information, including your credit card number and there is a real threat of someone trying to steal it from you.

So be careful of Malware - it can be harmful to mobile devices and the information contained by a smart phone or tablet can easily get into the wrong hands.

Here are 10 ways we recommend to protect your mobile device.

1. Update the mobile device's operating system regularly. Updates are usually provided automatically.

2.  Install new programs only from reliable sources - like the app stores such as iTunes, Google Play or Nokia Store.  A game for one dollar may be available for free elsewhere, but it is also quite likely to contain Malware.

3. Be careful with "in-app" purchases - kids may add superpowers to their game characters without understanding that each addition or upgrade may cost money. In many mobile devices, these in-app purchases can be disabled.

4. Be aware of the rights you have granted to different applications. Go through the user rights and privacy policies you have accepted. For example, the right to location information and network connection may enable an application to track location remotely.

5.  Change the default access code and the PIN code of the SIM card. Do not use your birth year or other number combinations that would be too easy to guess. I know it's a pain but the safest way is to set your device to request a password every time you use it.

6. If your mobile device supports data encryption, enable it.

7. Use an online service that can remotely locate a lost or stolen device and, if needed, perform a remote wipe to erase all data.

8. If your mobile device gets stolen, inform your operator immediately so that the use of your SIM card can be disabled and your account can be transferred to a new SIM card.

9. When your old device is dead or you have a new device, erase all personal information by returning the device back to factory settings. Also, remove all information from old SIM cards and memory cards.

and lastly,

10. Make regular backups of all data. You can use cloud services for this purpose, but do not send your employer's information to these without permission.

Also when you are using mobile devices provided by your employer, you should always follow the related security instructions. You should not save work-related information to your own devices unless otherwise pre agreed.

The Renwick Group - www.therenwickgroup.ca