Mobile Security: How Secure is your Mobile Phone?

With the widespread use of mobile devices, it’s essential to be aware of the potential security risks. People often store sensitive data on their mobile devices, and if they’re not properly secured, this data could be compromised. While most people know some risks exist, few have an in-depth understanding of mobile device security.

Consumers should certainly beef up their mobile phone security, but it is especially important for companies. As remote work opportunities and bring-your-own-device policies continue to spread, companies must increase efforts to identify and mitigate the many types of mobile security risks.

How Secure Is Your Mobile Device?

Your mobile device is only as secure as the measures you have in place. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to assess your mobile security:

• Do you have a passcode or biometric lock enabled?
• Have you downloaded any security apps?
• Are you regularly backing up your data?
• Do you know where your phone is at all times?
• Have you installed tracking apps to find it if lost or stolen?
• Do you avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for work?
• Do you avoid clicking on links from unknown sources?

Types of Mobile Security

If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, your mobile device may be at risk. Take a closer look at each of these and determine what types of security measures can mitigate the risks you face.

Passcodes and Biometric Locks

One of the most basic measures you can take is to enable a passcode or biometric lock on your device. These features can prevent unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen.

Security Apps

There is no shortage of apps available to secure your devices, so choose one that’s right for you. Some apps focus on malware protection, while others may offer features like data encryption or remote wiping.

Backing Up Data

Regularly backing up your data plays a crucial role in data recovery if your device is lost or stolen. Many ways to back up data include using a cloud-based service. You can also store backups on a computer or external hard drive.

Tracking Apps

If your phone is lost or stolen, tracking apps can help you to find it. These apps use GPS to track the location of your device and can often remotely lock or wipe it if necessary.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, meaning third parties could intercept data transmitted. If you must use public Wi-Fi, only connect to password-protected networks and use a virtual private network.

Link Avoidance

Clicking on links from unknown sources creates a common entryway for malware to infect devices. Be cautious about clicking on links, even if they seem to come from a trusted source. If you’re unsure about a link, you can hover over it to see where it will take you before clicking.

Mobile Security Threats: iOS vs. Android

Social media might portray a different picture, but Android owns 87% of the global mobile device market. Some people believe that Apple devices are more secure, and the company has certainly improved consumer privacy policies over the past few years.

One of its most publicized updates made it more challenging to serve Facebook ads to iPhone users with iOS 14 or higher installed. Consumers praised the move, but it’s important to remember that data privacy and security are separate issues, even though they sometimes overlap.

One cybersecurity billionaire posits that Apple devices are not more secure than Androids. He points out that Android users have greater control over their devices and tech-savvy users ensure mobile security for Android on their own, often by using a trusted mobile security app. 

In contrast, Apple users tend to rely on Apple to secure their devices. For some tech-savvy users, this is not enough. Another serious concern is that Apple devices are far more likely to be stolen than Androids.

How Text Message Capturing and Archiving Can Help

Ransomware now represents one of the greatest cyber threats affecting organizations. It is also the most expensive threat. Regularly backing up messages does not provide comprehensive protection, but it provides data a company can use in the following ways:

• Recover operations and consumer information
• Maintain data archiving compliance
• Provide evidence for investigations
• Provide customer support

Note that capturing and archiving solutions that tackle text messages can extend to instant messaging tools and email. You can store virtually any communication type for future recovery and everyday use.

LeapXpert provides capturing solutions and built-in integration with multiple archiving systems that achieve this and so much more. Book a demo to experience the difference in secure business communication today.