Mobile security is one of the top priorities for business organizations. With the increasing adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture, it becomes even more important that employees are familiar with the best security practices to safeguard the information they access or share through their device. However, there are many misconceptions when it comes to mobile security, which ultimately makes your corporate data vulnerable to hacking.
Given below are some of the common mobile security myths and why they need to be addressed cautiously:
iPhones are safe from viruses
It is a common fallacy that Apple devices are completely protected against viruses and malware but this is not completely true. Though Apple’s stringent policies minimize the threat to some extent, there is still need for proper security measures to ensure safety of your device. Malicious websites, spam links, fake websites and malware ridden email attachments pose a serious threat to your data.
It is safe to connect Wi-Fi if sensitive data is not accessed
Mobile users are familiar with the fact that conducting financial transactions and logging into personal accounts through open Wi-Fi networks is not safe. However, even if you are not accessing any sensitive information, connecting to an unsecure Wi-Fi hotspot can jeopardize your online security. Hackers may use packet sniffers to steal or modify the information you share. They may also infect your device with a malware and record keystrokes to collect your usernames as well as passwords, which may lead to identity theft.
Mobile apps from reliable vendors are safe
Renowned developers conduct extensive testing to ensure that the apps they release are secure and bug free. However, there are many fake and malicious versions of the popular applications available on the app stores. You should know which apps you should download and from where. The best way to check this is to read reviews posted by users who have already downloaded the app. You should also be careful while allowing any app to access your personal information.
Text messages are completely secure
In reality, text messages are one of the major vectors of malware to mobile devices. Hackers use phishing techniques by sending messages that claim to be from a bank or other legitimate source to extract sensitive information from the target user. SMSs may also contain links to a fake website that may download a malware to your mobile device.
Centex Technologies, a leading IT company in Dallas, TX, can help you improve mobile security practices in your organization. For more information, you can call us at (972) 375 – 9654.