7 tips to improve smartphone security

Mobile device adoption in the workplace was already surging before the shift to remote and hybrid work. Now, smartphones, tablets and other mobile office technologies are critical to an employee’s day to day.

However, proliferation of mobile devices for work also increases organizational cybersecurity risks. According to the 2021 Verizon Mobile Security Index, 40% of respondents said mobile devices represented the biggest cyberthreat for their business, while 53% said the business impacts of a mobile-related compromise they experienced were major.

Mobile device security must be a priority for your organization, and should be a focus in employee training. Here are seven best practices to improve smartphone security among staff and protect against cyber and fraud threats.

1. Manage network connections

Employees are likely to use unencrypted public Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections outside of the home and office. However, the convenience of these networks also comes with compromise risks. The FCC recommends verifying the authenticity of all public hotspots, using a virtual private network (VPN) and switching Bluetooth to hidden mode, among other measures to improve phone security.

2. Activate multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is highly effective at preventing account compromises by requiring users to provide multiple security credentials to log in. This should be required for enterprise-related applications or email accounts. And it may be beneficial to ask employees to use MFA across personal accounts.

3. Update apps and operating systems

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit software and hardware vulnerabilities. Having employees update all mobile applications and operating systems can help them stay one step ahead of hackers and fraudsters. Install new versions as soon as they become available to ensure the latest smartphone security patches are in place.

4. Recommend a cybersecurity app

There are millions of mobile apps, but not all are entirely reputable. Using a verified third-party security application can help employees better understand how their personal information is being accessed and offer them protection from malware. These tools can run a scan on app behavior and enable phone users to control how apps access data.

5. Take advantage of encryption

Encryption tools can provide an additional layer of smartphone security on employee devices. Both Apple and Android have resources that educate and instruct users on using these features.

6. Back up mobile data

The decentralization of the office through remote and hybrid work can make it harder to recover from business disruptions or cyberattacks. One way to address such challenges is by having established tools and processes for backing up mobile devices. Backing up to a home office computer or enterprise cloud network can build business resiliency.

7. Take action on suspected incidents

If an employee believes their phone or accounts have been compromised, it’s essential they act quickly to contain and resolve the problem. Regular training on how to escalate concerns can help prevent incidents down the road.

How we can help you improve mobile device security

JPMorgan Chase continually invests in our cybersecurity and fraud solutions to ensure we can protect clients, our business and our employees. Talk to your relationship banking team to learn more about products and services or access resources.

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