How can you ensure your employees use mobile devices securely?

1 Establish a mobile device policy

To ensure your employees use mobile devices securely, it is important to establish a clear and comprehensive policy that outlines the rules and responsibilities for using them. This policy should include details such as which devices are allowed and how they are registered and managed, what security measures must be taken, how data is stored, backed up, and deleted, how to report and respond to lost, stolen, or compromised devices, as well as what actions are prohibited. It is essential for the policy to be communicated to all employees and enforced consistently.

2 Provide training and awareness

The second step to ensure your employees use mobile devices securely is to provide regular training and awareness programs that educate them on the best practices and common threats. Your interactive, engaging programs should cover topics such as recognizing and avoiding phishing, malware, and social engineering attacks; using secure connections like VPNs, SSL, and HTTPS; protecting personal and professional data through strong passwords, locking devices, and logging out of accounts; and following the mobile device policy while reporting any incidents or issues. Moreover, the programs should be tailored to your employees' needs and roles.

3 Monitor and audit mobile device usage

The third step to ensure your employees use mobile devices securely is to monitor and audit their usage and compliance with the policy. To do this, you can use tools such as mobile device management (MDM) software to remotely control, track, and wipe devices; mobile application management (MAM) software to manage and secure apps installed on devices; mobile threat detection (MTD) software to detect and prevent malicious activity on devices; and mobile device audits to review and verify the security status and configuration of devices. It is important that your monitoring and audit processes are regular, transparent, and aligned with your security goals and standards.

4 Implement a multi-factor authentication system

The fourth step to ensure your employees use mobile devices securely is to implement a multi-factor authentication (MFA) system. This adds an extra layer of security to online accounts and services, requiring users to provide not only a password, but also another factor, such as a code sent to their phone or email, a biometric feature like a fingerprint or face scan, or a physical token such as a smart card or USB key. MFA makes it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts and data, even if they are able to guess or steal passwords.

5 Update and patch mobile devices regularly

The fifth step to ensure your employees use mobile devices securely is to update and patch them regularly to fix any vulnerabilities and bugs that could be exploited by hackers. You should ensure that your employees enable automatic updates and patches for their devices, apps, and security software, as well as check for and install any available updates and patches manually. Additionally, they should avoid using outdated or unsupported devices, apps, and software, while also backing up their data before updating and patching their devices. Regularly updating and patching mobile devices can help stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats, as well as improve device performance and functionality.

6 Encourage a security culture

The sixth and final step to ensure your employees use mobile devices securely is to encourage a security culture that fosters a positive and proactive attitude towards information security. You should lead by example and demonstrate good security practices and behaviors. Additionally, reward and recognize your employees for following the policy and reporting incidents, as well as solicit and listen to their feedback and suggestions on improving security. Furthermore, provide ongoing support and resources for your employees to learn and improve their security skills and knowledge. Ultimately, encouraging a security culture helps you build trust and engagement with your employees, creating a more secure and productive work environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?