Cybercriminals don’t restrict their hacking activities to personal computers. Smartphones have become the dominant personal technology across the world, and thus, those looking for access to personal data have made these devices the primary target for their schemes.
Smartphones are rich with personal information about their primary users. They contain credit card numbers, contacts, personally identifiable information (PII), account details and more. That information is stored not just on devices, but the apps connected to them.
And everyone is vulnerable to an attack.
Case in point: Earlier this year, reports said Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos was the victim of a cell phone hack in 2018. The perpetrator, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is thought to have been after information related to the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, as a reporter connected to the Washington Post, is connected to Bezos, as Amazon’s CEO owns the publication.
Everyone at every level of an organization, from chiefs to entry-level employees, struggle through the aftermath of a data breach. And every one of those people is bound to have a smartphone or other mobile device. As such, those tasked with protecting the privacy of corporate data need to keep mobile in mind in their policies and procedures.
Consider these crucial steps:
- Monitoring programs must take mobile attacks seriously. Hackers can cover their tracks on smartphones and other mobile devices using known exploits and security issues. Teams must keep close watch for anomalies on mobile.
- Don’t allow apps with known security problems. WhatsApp and Facebook are examples of apps that can be easily exploited. Security departments should seriously consider disallowing these apps on corporate-connected devices.
- Get your teams prepared. Make sure your organization has a clear plan of action for a data breach. Also, employees should know what to do amid a suspected incident.
- Update regularly, frequently. Keep up mobile security by automating security patch and configuration update releases.
Lunarline is here to help your journey toward improved mobile security. To find out how we can protect your smartphones and keep your mobile data out of the wrong hands, contact us online today.
