How would you secure sensitive client data on your mobile device while traveling for work?

When it comes to mobile devices, encryption is only as good as the user. This means setting your device to lock right after you've stopped using it. You also want to avoid leaving your device unattended, especially if the unlocked period is long enough for someone to swipe it and gain access. For this reason, I recommend setting the auto-lock feature to 15 seconds.

To secure sensitive client data while traveling, use MDM solutions to enforce encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and device password protection. Avoid public Wi-Fi, opting for a VPN to ensure secure connections, and keep software up to date with security patches. Store data in secure cloud environments instead of locally, and use containerization to separate work and personal data. Disable auto-connect features, and be prepared to remotely wipe the device if it's lost or compromised. Educate employees on these best practices to further enhance security and privacy.

While biometric authentication is strong, some forms are stronger than others. I would recommend fingerprint recognition over facial recognition, as the latter has been known to be more easily fooled than the former. Multi-factor authentication is another layer of security that can be used to protect client data. This method helps in case an unauthorized individual obtains your password and attempts to access the data from a remote location.

One of the primary benefits of keeping your device's operating system and supporting software updated is security patches. When vulnerabilities are discovered in an operating system or its supporting software, the developer will often release updates to address them. Not keeping your device updated could leave you exposed to security vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit to gain access to your sensitive client data.

Avoid putting too many unnecessary apps--such as games or entertainment apps--on your mobile device that you use for work. All apps need permissions of some kind or another to access your device's data. Minimizing how many apps are on your phone, especially games and social media apps, can help reduce your potential exposure to a security breach. In addition, I recommend setting your device's auto-lock feature to no more than 15 seconds. This will reduce the chance of someone unauthorized accessing your device while it's unattended.

The days of storing data locally on your phone are pretty much done. The cloud ecosystem is so robust now that there isn't a good reason to run the security risk of transporting locally stored data. If you need to transport data locally but do not access it while traveling, external storage devices such as SSD drives are available that are compatible with most mobile devices and can be used to store sensitive client data. Make sure you encrypt such a drive for added security.

Many of the Wi-Fi networks you use with your device while traveling may be public networks. This means there is no authentication for access to the network. Any passerby can connect on a whim. They could easily attempt to access your device if you're connected to the same network. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app will help with this, as it will encrypt the data that is specifically downloaded to or uploaded from your device while you're on that network.