Gone are the days of a 9 to 5 work day planted in front of a stationary computer desk. Mobile technology has redefined the traditional work environment. Employees are increasingly working outside of the office, aided by their mobile devices. The statistics on this are clear: According to the Citrix Mobile Analytics Report, the number of devices managed in the enterprise increased 72 percent from 2014 to 2015. And ABI research predicts that by 2016, 40 percent of the workforce will be strictly mobile. This is good news for businesses: Mobile technology has the potential to increase the nimbleness of your team and enhance your operations. However, mobile technology has also introduced a myriad security risks and networking challenges to IT teams.
This rise of the mobile workforce has introduced a critical question: When your employees can work from anywhere, how do you secure your workforce? While the right solution must be customized for the size and scope of your operation, the following are a few general suggestions for securing a mobile workforce:
- Think of mobile protection as you would PC protection. Mobile devices perform the same tasks and are used for the same functions as PCs, but some businesses place less of an emphasis on the importance of mobile security. Neglecting your mobile security creates an opportunity for cyberattacks or accidental data loss. Never forget that a mobile phone or tablet is more than a device; it is also a computer that is susceptible to cyber criminals.
- Require your team to run updates on their devices regularly. Many employees are accustomed to running updates on their PCs regularly. They should get into the practice of doing the same with their mobile devices. If you put off an update, you might miss a fix to a new vulnerability that could threaten your mobile security.
- Employ encryption technology. Encryption software protects the information coming through your network, encoding it so that it can be read and understood only by authorized individuals.
- Protect against malware. Malware is malicious software that has been created with the intention of damaging or disrupting a computer or device. Malware does not only attack our PCs; it is an increasing threat for mobile devices.
- Educate your employees. Finally, communicate the risks of mobile security to your employees so that they learn how to recognize and respond to a threat. Helping your employees understand the risks of mobile security will also encourage them to practice good cyber behavior.
Looking for the right security solution to protect your mobile workforce? Contact the team at CHI Corporation today to learn more.
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