5 Top Tips to Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks
When we think of cyber attacks, we tend to imagine that these occur in the back office within the very fabric of a company. But alarmingly, more than half of companies have experienced some sort of cyber attack on a mobile device. Unsurprisingly, this has had an enormous increase since the increase of remote working, so it’s time to put mobile device security in the spotlight.
Despite the spike in incidences of cyber attacks on mobile devices, there are still many SMEs that have no digital security in place. Businesses who are not taking mobile device security seriously are exposed to a potential loss of company data, including sensitive personal details and payment information as well as heavy financial penalties. Identity theft and scams are just the start of what cyber criminals will gain from unsuspecting companies.
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If you’re wondering whether your current mobile estate is fully guarded from a looming cyber attack, here are 5 top tips to keep your business protected.
1. Implement strong passwords and two-factor authentication
One of the most common ways cyber criminals gain access to your mobile device is through weak passwords. Make sure to use a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your devices and apps. 2FA requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password, making it more difficult for cyber criminals to access your data.
2. Keep your devices and software up to date
Keeping your mobile devices and software up to date is critical to ensuring your business's security. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and fix bugs that can leave your devices open to cyber attacks. Make sure to regularly check for software and app updates and install them as soon as they become available.
3. Use a mobile device management (MDM) solution
An MDM solution is a software tool that allows businesses to manage and secure their mobile devices. MDM solutions can help enforce security policies, such as password requirements, device encryption, and remote wiping capabilities. They can also help track and monitor device usage, identify security threats, and remotely lock or wipe devices that are lost or stolen.
At Bar Code Data, we ensure the security of your mobile device estate with SureMDM, the powerful solution and MDM app for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, Linux, macOS, Wear OS, VR and IoT platforms. Devices for dedicated use as well as employee-owned devices used to access company information (BYOD) are incorporated within the security to give you peace of mind.
4. Educate your employees about cyber threats
Employees are often the weakest link in your business's security chain. According to Comparitech, the role of human error in cyber attacks could be more than 90%. They may unknowingly click on malicious links or download infected files that can compromise your entire network so ignoring their training needs could be a costly mistake.
Educate your employees about the common types of cyber threats and how to identify them. Teach them to avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening emails from unknown senders. You can also conduct regular security training sessions to keep your employees up to date on the latest threats and best practices. There are 3rd party organisations such as BOXPHISH offering cyber training and phishing simulations to keep your staff up-to-speed on the latest threats.
5. Implement a mobile device usage policy
Establishing a mobile device usage policy is essential to ensure your employees are using their devices in a secure and responsible manner. A survey by Proofpoint found that 50% of respondents admitted to allowing family or friends to use their company-owned device. This may seem innocent enough but the risk of someone clicking a malicious link increases with every additional person using the device.
The policy should cover topics such as acceptable use of company devices, device security, and data protection. Make sure to clearly communicate the policy to your employees and require them to sign it to acknowledge their understanding and compliance.
Conclusion
Mobile devices have become an indispensable part of modern business. However, they also pose a significant risk to your business's security. By implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication, keeping your devices and software up to date, using an MDM solution, educating your employees, and implementing a mobile device usage policy, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks on your business. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay secure.
Why Choose Bar Code Data?
Bar Code Data can guide you painlessly to the right solution to protect your business from costly cyber attacks. We offer a leading range of mobile devices to ensure your business benefits from the most productive, reliable and secure technology. We can provide expert advice on continuing security with SureMDM mobile device management and after sales technical support so you’re never left in the dark. We appreciate that each business is individual, and no two have the exact same requirements, so we will talk you through the entire process, helping you to understand exactly how your business can become cyber secure.
Call our Sales Team on 0808 109 9858 for a free consultation to answer any questions you may have and provide expert advice. Bar Code Data also has an expert team of after-sales service professionals, ready to help with technical or support and maintenance enquiries, we provide solutions tailored to the needs of the client.