Mobile Device Security & Audits: Strengthening Your Enterprise’s Mobile Infrastructure
In today’s enterprise environment, mobile devices are indispensable tools for connectivity and productivity. But with this mobility comes increased risks, including data exposure on managed and unmanaged networks, as well as growing mobile expenses that need careful oversight. To safeguard data and optimize costs, IT departments must conduct comprehensive mobile device security and expense audits. Here’s a closer look at how these audits can protect your organization and streamline operations.
The Importance of Mobile Device Security Audits
Mobile devices handle sensitive data, and with the flexibility to connect to various networks, they present unique security challenges. A mobile device security audit systematically examines your organization’s security practices around mobile use, ensuring that devices are protected against potential data breaches.
A mobile security audit includes evaluating:
Device types and OS versions: Ensure all devices are up to date with the latest security patches.
Access control and policies: Review authentication methods, including multifactor authentication, and set policies around acceptable use.
Encryption and software updates: Confirm that data encryption protocols are enforced for data in transit and at rest, while also verifying that all devices receive timely software updates.
Mobile devices don’t just include smartphones and tablets; any internet-enabled device capable of moving around should be part of an audit, even those not traditionally seen as mobile, such as IoT devices. With mobile device security audits, organizations can catch vulnerabilities in nontraditional devices like smart printers or even IoT-connected coffee machines that, if unprotected, could serve as entry points for cyberattacks.
Real-World Example: Shared Passkeys on Networked Devices
Many organizations still use shared passkeys for network authentication. In these cases, if an employee connects an unapproved device using a shared passkey, IT needs visibility into what the device is doing. Is it transmitting data? Can it be compromised by a bad actor? Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial in a comprehensive mobile device audit.
Ongoing Mobile Security
A one-time audit is a good start, but maintaining mobile security requires regular evaluations. Recurring audits help ensure policies stay current with evolving security risks, software versions, and industry regulations, such as those defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Top Mobile Security Threats
Mobile device security audits help identify and prevent common threats like:
Malware and phishing attacks
Lost or stolen devices
Cross-app data sharing vulnerabilities
Unpatched operating systems
With these threats in mind, a mobile security audit program should also include training for end users, reinforcing practices to reduce the risk of data loss or compromise.
Key Components of a Mobile Device Security Audit Program
An effective mobile audit program should encompass:
Policies and Procedures: Comprehensive mobile device policies around use, data handling, and access control.
Access Control: Role-based access and strong multifactor authentication.
Regular Software Updates: Strict scheduling for OS and security patch updates.
MDM and Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) Tools: Use of advanced management tools to monitor, secure, and support mobile devices.
Encryption Protocols: Ensure data encryption on both storage and network transmission.
User Training: Educate employees on the importance of mobile security, password hygiene, and phishing awareness.
By combining Cenutcom security and expense audits, enterprises gain better control over both the risks and costs associated with mobile device usage, allowing them to make informed decisions about future device management and budgeting.
Building an Effective Mobile Device Audit Program
To create a robust mobile audit program, organizations need to tailor their approach based on factors such as organization size, device types, OSes, industry regulations, and ownership policies (such as BYOD). Once goals are defined, admins can use a checklist to conduct thorough audits, covering mobile endpoints, network segmentation, OS updates, and integration of MDM and MTD tools.
With an audit program in place, IT can ensure mobile security measures align with the organization’s needs, industry standards, and budgetary goals. Mobile device audits are an investment in both security and operational efficiency, giving organizations the tools they need to manage mobile risks effectively while controlling expenses.
Ready to strengthen your mobile device management? Centucom’s team can guide you through best-in-class mobile device management, security, and expense audit solutions. Reach out today to explore how we can support your enterprise’s mobile strategy!