Learn why Mobile Device Management security is crucial for government organizations, ensuring strong protection and smooth device operations. Find out why it matters and get crucial insights for a secure mobile device setup
At this stage, mobile devices are ubiquitous. Smartphones and tablets are used across industries to conduct business. This is especially true for the public sector. When you think about the types of sensitive information government workers send and receive daily, the need for mobile device management (MDM) security becomes clear.
The many pitfalls of public sector Mobile Device Management security
Today’s governments, especially the United States, consider information a defensive weapon against potential enemies. Knowing how others work and operate is critical in heading off planned attacks in their earliest stages.
This is why government agencies must safeguard their mobile devices against cyber threats. When users are careless with their communication devices, foreign parties can eavesdrop on conversations or copy confidential files. Irresponsible mobile device usage can lead to the following problems:
Data privacy violations
Government agencies face lawsuits over privacy violations if they’re not careful in handling personal information. U.S. privacy laws include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
These laws require agencies and corporations to keep individuals’ private data confidential at all costs. However, a lack of training and accountability combined with lax MDM security can lead government agencies or employees to share private information.
Hacks and data leaks
Users who need to recognize that the documents they handle are sensitive tend to act more cavalier. Lazy password assignments and a lack of additional safeguards make it easier for criminal groups to swoop in and steal as much data as possible. What’s more, poor mobile device management security can fail to alert IT teams to data leaks.
Phishing and unauthorized access
Government employees who remain ignorant of well-known cybercrimes such as phishing and spoofing will find themselves locked out of their access. They often prey on callers pretending to be IT staff, bank managers, or superior officers. When pressed to give out login credentials or account details, they unthinkingly share passwords and file locations. Soon after, they join the list of millions of phishing and other scam victims.
Mismanaged BYODs
Many government agencies let employees use their mobile devices for important (and confidential) government business. By accessing the network, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) users can open work email, send contacts instant messages, and browse confidential files on their phones.
However, lacking a reliable mobile device management security platform means few safeguards exist. As a result, users unwittingly expose their work files to the public whenever they use their devices to connect to public WiFi systems or visit malware-laden websites.
Malware and viruses
Malware places hidden files and programs on your device that perform unauthorized (often illegal) access to sensitive documents and files. It can also corrupt or wipe data, install backdoor entryways to your device, or turn off security measures. Malware is often a result of visiting unsecured websites.
Meanwhile, viruses hijack your devices and replicate themselves onto other connected devices. They often contain malicious programs that steal data or prevent users from accessing local files.
How mobile device management resolves public sector security risks
Reliable mobile device management security can give public sector users the protection they need against threats. At the most basic level, proper management teaches government users how to handle business on their mobile devices safely. This includes basic directives such as turning off WiFi and Bluetooth in public, avoiding public or unrecognizable access points, and not clicking on unknown files or apps.
Activating a device management platform can help implement mobile device management security. Having a central application connect to and manage all devices in the network keeps workers out of harm’s way.
Creating security measures
Device managers can enforce strict access protocols over the cloud. Users are given access based on their work or clearance levels. When they attempt to go beyond their level, admins can kick out the account holder or turn off the device. Either way, the security team prevents unauthorized users from making prohibited moves.
Vetting third-party apps
When using BYOD units in work mode, mobile device management security protocols remove users’ ability to launch unauthorized apps, play games, or open social media platforms. A robust device manager knows which programs can run and which should remain disabled. Additionally, device management software can verify the safety of individual apps before granting permission for installation.
Maximizing protection and automation
The best way to deter others from exploiting your system is to keep the operating system and firmware regularly updated. Newer software versions will contain the latest security measures and patches for identified vulnerabilities. Cloud-based systems also enable admins to connect to individual devices or the entire fleet remotely. Then, they can apply updates and fixes automatically without user intervention.
Simplifying regulatory compliance with the right mobile device management
Data privacy is a serious matter when administering government-issued mobile devices. Any instances of information breaches can turn into an ugly and expensive lawsuit. However, the right mobile device management security platform can enforce privacy policies more stringently.
For instance, admins can cross-reference each connected user with their allowed access levels. They can kick out individuals attempting to log in with the wrong credentials.
In addition, admins can respond to any attempts by outside parties to force their way into devices. Admins can freeze, disable, or shut down devices to prevent further access attempts. They can also wipe a device’s entire drive when alerted to attempts to copy user data. At the same time, admins can geolocate stolen or missing devices to initiate retrieval measures.
Stay safe with mobile device management security.
Regarding government-issued devices, agency heads know an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting the right mobile device management security is the best way to keep information secure and safe. Public sector mobile device users will always remain under threat without the right device management platform.
This piece was written and provided by Nadav Avni, CMO of Radix Technologies
