When it comes to having a robust security posture, cybersecurity is understandably a key focus. Malware (or malicious software) protection is a fundamental part of any cybersecurity strategy to address or prevent things like ransomware and viruses. Many people associate malware with your standard, everyday computers or laptops, but what many don’t know is that malware can infect any device that has computing capabilities. That includes tablets and smartphones, which is known as mobile malware.
What is Mobile Malware?
When you think about it, it makes logical sense. As people became more reliant on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones, there was always bound to be some sort of cyber threat to them. Mobile malware is specific malicious software that targets these devices through illegitimate apps, dodgy email attachments, phishing text messages and more. It’s important to know about mobile malware if you’ve got a smartphone or other mobile device that you use to access sensitive accounts or private data, or if you conduct important financial transactions on it.
4 Ways to Protect Your Mobile Devices
Depending on your industry and line of work, you and your team may have access to mobile devices that help you get things done when you’re away from your desk, or even away from the office during the work day. Mobile malware is a real and highly active threat to those devices, so it’s important to know what measures can be taken to protect them.
#1 Only Use Official App Stores
Seems pretty straightforward, but teams should be aware that downloading applications from unofficial app stores or third-party websites can cause mobile malware. Through mobile device management initiatives, IT teams can limit downloads to these official app stores (the ones you’ve heard of, like Google Play, or Apple’s App Store). Doing this helps keep each device secure, protecting against unintentional high-risk downloads.
#2 Keep Your OS Updated
You or your team might be getting notifications for a new operating system update and putting it off. That’s why it’s important for staff and businesses to know that keeping your operating system up-to-date is a very important step in protecting your devices from mobile malware. New versions of operating systems typically include security patches that have been made to protect against vulnerabilities. While it’s possible for IT teams to automatically roll these updates out across all mobile devices, there can be times where staff need to stay on top of this themselves.
#3 Pay Attention
At the end of the day, if your team is educated on the risk of mobile malware, they may be more inclined to pay attention to smaller details. For example, Wi-Fi networks can be gateways for cyber criminals to compromise your device, so it’s important to only connect to networks that have password protection or an official login portal. Similarly with text messages, by paying attention, you’ll likely spot links or attachments that seem strange before you click them. From there, you can simply report and disregard the message, but it’s also important not to reply to it.
#4 Install Antivirus Software
Certain circumstances might require mobile devices to have some sort of antivirus software installed. These can detect and prevent mobile malware from affecting your device before you even see or notice it. Nowadays, most smartphones do have a layer of protection built-in, but antivirus software provides that extra layer of security that some might need.
Can Managed IT Help Prevent Mobile Malware?
Australia is home to a range of businesses and business models. Some require staff to be present five days a week, some are adjusting to or continuing to implement BYOD (bring your own device) policies, others use a hybrid working model, and some staff are fully remote. Whatever the way of working, the management of mobile devices is a crucial component when it comes to security.
Some businesses have the ability to manage mobile devices (and cybersecurity more generally) in house, but some might need a little help, which is where managed IT service providers come in. Partners like Xenex Systems will audit your current situation to understand what you’re doing well, where you want to be, and where the gaps are to help keep things streamlined across your business. This includes protection against mobile malware as part of a strategy that includes mobile device management, especially if it’s a genuine point of concern.
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’d just like to chat more generally about mobile malware or what managed IT services could do for your business, contact us online today, or give us a call on (08) 6245 2800.