In our device-first/device-last world, many workers’ workdays both commence and conclude on a digital device. Digital devices are now crucial instruments for efficiency and connectivity. As numerous companies shift to hybrid work setups, digital devices present a lucrative target for malicious entities because they are often the least safeguarded corporate gadgets and provide platforms from which to execute social engineering assaults.
In contrast to conventional computers, which are generally well-protected with antivirus programs and cybersecurity measures, digital devices are frequently left susceptible due to a lack of user awareness and adequate protection.
Digital devices possess distinct vulnerabilities that cyber offenders are increasingly capitalizing on. However, since mobile device security has traditionally received less emphasis, most users and IT teams are not fully cognizant of these risks. This lack of awareness often results in a deficiency in cyber cleanliness, such as prompt updates and the deployment of crucial security applications, rendering devices at risk to an expanding array of cyber hazards.
What makes digital devices more prone to danger?
Digital devices confront distinct security obstacles than desktops or laptops, as they depend on various applications, connect to public networks, and carry sensitive data in pockets and purses. Here are a few reasons they are at heightened risk:
- Frequent linking to public networks: Digital devices regularly connect to public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and other common locales, making them vulnerable targets for attackers. Public Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured, enabling hackers to intercept sensitive data, such as login credentials and personal information.
- Irregular updates: Unlike desktop computers, where security patches and updates are customary, digital devices are frequently left with out-of-date software. This poses an issue as mobile operating system updates are indispensable to fix identified vulnerabilities.
- Inconsistent security across devices: Organizations often employ a blend of iOS and Android devices, each with its individual security protocols and susceptibilities. For instance, Android has a more fragmented ecosystem where updates are not universally implemented across devices, leaving users at risk. Additionally, iOS users may be unaware that jailbreaking their phones disables critical security features.
- More personal apps and data at stake: Digital devices often preserve both personal and professional data, encompassing emails, contacts, payment information, as well as corporate data. The amalgamation of personal and business usage heightens exposure to potential breaches, as malicious apps downloaded for personal use can jeopardize corporate security.
- Apps proliferated with malware: Despite app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store scrutinizing applications, malicious apps still manage to sneak through. These apps can harbor malware that extracts data, tracks activity, or even seizes control of a device, jeopardizing personal and corporate information.
Common digital risks
In addition to the vulnerabilities mentioned above, there are distinct digital threats that every user and IT team should be conscious of:
- Deceptive attacks: Phishing persists as one of the most efficient attack avenues, and digital users are exceedingly vulnerable due to the diminutive screens and simplified user interfaces. Emails, SMS texts, and even social media direct messages may contain phishing links leading to credential theft or malware dissemination.
- Malware and spyware: Malicious applications can introduce malware that harvests sensitive data or monitors a user’s actions without consent. Known as spyware, this malware can access everything from location to keystrokes, posing a significant threat to both personal privacy and business security.
- Interceptions through man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM): Public Wi-Fi networks are ideal for MITM attacks, wherein attackers intercept communication between a digital device and a server. Confidential information, like login credentials, can be exposed without the user’s knowledge.
- Inadequately secured devices and theft: Due to their portability, digital devices are at a higher risk of being misplaced or stolen. When devices lack proper security measures, such as screen locks or device encryption, sensitive information becomes accessible to anyone who comes across the device.
Optimal practices for digital cybersecurity
Although digital threats are escalating, there are methods to decrease the risk of attacks. Individuals and entities can take preemptive measures to secure their digital devices and safeguard sensitive data. Regularly updating operating systems, using digital security applications, and enforcing robust authentication are fundamental measures for safeguarding digital devices. Additionally, confining app authorizations and advocating for cybersecurity education among personnel can substantially diminish risks.
For enterprises, adopting a mobile device management (MDM) solution, like IBM MaaS360, is exceptionally beneficial. MDM furnishes essential control and transparency, enabling organizations to enforce security arrangements, oversee devices remotely, and erase data in case of a lost or stolen device — guaranteeing comprehensive security across all digital devices accessing company resources.
Explore more about IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced
Embracing digital security for the hybrid workforce
With more companies adopting hybrid work structures, digital device security is now indispensable. In a scenario where business data is accessed on the move, employees and IT teams need to take digital security earnestly. Without adequate protections, the productivity advantages of digital devices are outweighed by the escalated security threats they present.
IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense add-ons (Professional and Advanced) mark a substantial advancement in endpoint security functionalities within the IBM MaaS360 platform and the corporate mobility sector. The fresh add-ons consolidate devices, users, threats, and vulnerabilities into a unified endpoint management and security platform. MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense delivers device management, mobile threat defense, seamless integration with existing cybersecurity frameworks, and AI-powered security insights to expedite threat evaluation and response.
IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced signifies a meaningful enhancement in how organizations embrace and harness mobile device defense. As an integrated extension of IBM MaaS360, IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced merges simplicity and security in a singular solution with an entirely automated deployment and zero-touch device activation. The platform furnishes on-device safeguarding driven by machine learning and includes nearly real-time dashboards to identify risky users and devices, as well as detect and respond to sophisticated and persistent mobile threats.
MaaS360 Unified Endpoint Management, coupled with the MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Professional add-on, equips IT administrators with an encompassing, integrated, end-to-end solution that assembles top-tier endpoint management and mobile threat defense. Administrators can manage and safeguard their digital ecosystem from a central vantage with detailed endpoint security protocols and automated, proactive threat detection and response.
These offerings furnish organizations with shelter against evolving digital threats, enhancing employee productivity while diminishing risks to corporate data and employee confidentiality.
If interested in learning more about the substantial evolution of the IBM MaaS360 platform and how IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense offers a straightforward approach to safeguard your mobile users and corporate data from advanced digital threats, sign up for our COMPLIMENTARY webinar on January 14th here.