8 Cybersecurity Tools for Small Businesses Using Mobile Devices

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Eye-popping stats like that emphasize the necessity for small business owners to be proactive about safeguarding their data and systems accessed on mobile devices. It’s also vital to have a full understanding of your industry’s and province’s regulations to ensure your business is in compliance when choosing how to protect your company’s mobile devices.

Here are eight mobile security tools for small business owners to consider:

1. Invest in Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Allowing employees to BYOD (bring your own device) to work is commonplace. Depending on the size of your team and the nature of your business, investing in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform to remotely manage and secure employee devices is worth investigating. MDM platforms have many security features, including the ability to remotely wipe the data off a device if it is lost or stolen.

2. Install Mobile Antivirus

Just as you would install antivirus software on desktops and laptops, do so for your company’s mobile devices to block malware and phishing attacks.

3. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to securely get online by making their internet traffic unreadable to hackers trying to intercept it and hide their location. A VPN is particularly helpful when travelling and need to access a public Wi-Fi network.

4. Deploy Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on Devices

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on a mobile device requires users to use one or more types of authentication to access a device or app beyond a username and password. Many MFA tools require users to prove their identity using biometrics, geolocation, or IP address.

5. Utilize Secure Messaging Apps

Deploying a secure messaging app provides end-to-end encryption of communications on devices for internal communications with colleagues and employees. Examples of these types of apps include Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp for Business.

6. Employ Password Managers

Using a password manager to generate, store, and manage complex and unique passwords on mobile devices can help reduce the risk of password breaches.

7. Use Mobile App Permission Managers

Mobile app permission management involves controlling which apps on a mobile device can access the device’s data. Using a tool like this can help prevent data leakage through a malicious app.

8. Encrypt Mobile Device Data

Encrypting your business’s data across all computing devices, including mobiles, is always wise. Using mobile encryption tools helps ensure your data cannot be accessed even if a device is stolen or compromised.

Tips for Minimizing Cybersecurity Threats on Mobile Devices

Here are a few recommended tips to shield your small business from mobile threats:

• Draft a mobile device security plan for employees to follow, including requiring them to password-protect devices and encrypt data.

• Only download mobile apps from official stores, such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Apps, and the Amazon App Store. 

• Carefully review the device permissions of apps you install and use. Many apps do not need access to your entire device to work.

• Keep mobile device operating systems up to date.

• Avoid using public and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

• Use automated screen locks and passcodes to access mobile devices.

• Keep Bluetooth turned off when not in use for business purposes.

• Automate backups for your mobile device.

Does Cyber Insurance Cover Data Breaches on Mobile Devices?

Yes. Cyber insurance policies, including cyber liability insurance and cybercrime insurance, are designed to cover a business’s financial losses due to cyber-attacks and data breaches that occur on mobile devices and other computers and systems. These policies help business owners and independent professionals recover from a devastating breach or cyber incident.

Of note, a recent Zensurance poll of 1,000 Canadian small business owners found a majority identified a cyber-attack or data breach as their most significant risk.

How to Get the Low-Cost Cyber Insurance Your Small Business Needs

Zensurance specializes in providing small businesses and independent professionals from a wide range of expensive losses, damages, accidents, and cyber incidents. We can help you get a low-cost cyber insurance policy to safeguard your business and finances.

Get a free quote in less than five minutes by filling out our online application.

Let our experienced team of brokers find the coverage you need, customize it to suit your budget and requirements, and help your business be cyber-safe.