Securing Mobile Workforces Against Cyber Threats

Mobile device security. It's the blind spot in corporate defences, the vulnerability lurking in every pocket and bag.?Over two-thirds of companies faced mobile malware attacks last year. And the average UK data breach costs ￡4.3 million - unsecured mobiles pose serious financial risks.

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Safeguarding Devices Becomes a Strategic Necessity

With remote and now hybrid work the norm, organisations can no longer limit security to just office networks and company-owned devices. Personal mobiles used for work have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Every device that connects to corporate data is a potential entry point for attackers. Ignoring this mobile blind spot poses extreme financial, operational, and reputational risks.

To effectively combat mobile threats, companies need a layered defence system combining mobile device oversight, data protections, and comprehensive staff training. This balanced approach allows embracing workforce mobility without compromising security. Business leaders must start treating mobile risks with equal seriousness given to securing servers and workstations. The threats are real but also manageable with a mature security strategy.

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A 5-Step Mobile Security Framework:

1. Robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) – Enforce access controls, policies, and threat monitoring across corporate and personal devices.
2. Comprehensive Training – Equip staff with security skills including phishing prevention, safe web browsing, strong passwords and recognising threats.
3. Flexible BYOD Policies – Set clear guidelines on approved devices, mandatory settings, and protections for company vs personal data separation.
4. Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) – Detect and remediate threats on personal devices without being excessively intrusive. By taking a layered defence approach with MDM oversight and employee engagement, organisations can allow workforce mobility without opening the door to data breaches or regulatory non-compliance.
5. Regular Reviews – Frequently update policies and protections to address the rapidly evolving mobile threat landscape.

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With 70-80% of organisations embracing BYOD for its cost and flexibility benefits, shared responsibility between employer and employee is essential. Enable mobility without compromising security through collaboration.

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Specialised Defences for Mobile Workforces

As business travel returns post-pandemic, employees reconnect to more networks, increasing malware and man-in-the-middle attack risks. Securing VPN tunnels on mobile devices is critical for encrypting data in transit and preventing traffic interception on public WiFi.

Additionally, vetting mobile apps demands vigilance before granting access permissions that could expose sensitive systems like contacts, cameras, microphones, and location data if compromised. Rigorous app reputation checks, threat intelligence feeds and mobile anti-virus/anti-malware should feature prominently in app risk management programs.

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Elevate Mobile to the Heart of Your Cyber Strategy

Mobility introduces an array of new attack vectors that can compromise networks, expose regulated data, and damage reputations if left unaddressed. Business leaders and CISOs must apply equal focus on locking down mobile devices as they do on conventional defences like firewalls and intrusion detection. Failing to do so risks making mobile the soft underbelly attackers successfully exploit. Adopt a layered, in-depth security model with mobile at the core.

Yet even robust mobile security strategies fall short without the talent and expertise to execute on that vision. As mobile introduces new frontiers of risk, many security leaders find progress stalled by gaps in their capabilities - lacking needed leadership, technical or specialised skills.?According to a recent (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study (2023) there's a global shortage of over 4 million cybersecurity professionals, with mobile security skills particularly scarce.

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Bridging Mobile Security Talent Shortfalls

At PSD Group, our cybersecurity team deeply understand the talent needed to secure the mobile landscape - including specialised roles across sales, marketing, partnerships, engineering, and data science.

We can help companies fill critical capability gaps by identifying and placing hard-to-find candidates with the right blend of security expertise and business acumen to execute effective mobile strategies.

If you have open headcounts or simply want to consult on planning talent requirements, let’s connect.