How can you secure your network when using mobile devices?
Mobile devices are convenient and powerful tools for network administration, but they also pose significant security risks. If you use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access, monitor, or manage your network, you need to take some precautions to protect your data and devices from hackers, malware, and theft. In this article, we will cover some of the best practices and tips to secure your network when using mobile devices.
Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered with a key. Encryption can protect your data in transit and at rest, making it harder for attackers to intercept, modify, or steal it. You should use encryption for your network communication, such as using VPNs, SSL/TLS, or SSH protocols, as well as for your device storage, such as using BitLocker, FileVault, or LUKS. Encryption can also help you comply with data privacy regulations and standards.
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The minimal security that any employee using a mobile device for work should have is a VPN when connecting to the internet. The VNP is a tunnel that provides a secure connection between the employee’s phone and online resources. Without a VPN, confidential information can easily be leaked to outside forces including sophisticated cyber criminals as well as everyday internet users that could become threat actors with your company’s confidential data in hand. Every employee of a company whether it is a bank, healthcare establishment, retail organization, and others, should be using a VPN at all times without fail. Anything less is unacceptable and compromises the company’s trust with its customers as well as its’ bottom line.
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It is important to determine what data is needed to be accessed, who needs to access and what type of access is necessary to perform business responsibilities on mobile devices. Determine the sensitivity of the data. Organize data to permit the necessary access by utilizing various storage locations, groups, minimum security permissions, encryption, location restrictions, data transfer restrictions and multi-factor authentication. Building an organized data storage foundation is key to ensuring appropriate access (minimum access) regardless of the device or location.
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To protect your network when using mobile devices, adopt strong security policies, including complex passwords and multi-factor authentication. Use VPNs to secure data in transit and be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks. Implement Mobile Device Management (MDM/EMM) solutions for centralized control and automatic updates. Educate users about security and safe browsing practices. Evaluate apps before installation and include mobile devices in the organization's backup and recovery plans.
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Il y a un élément souvent négligé à tort: Ne vous connectez jamais aux réseaux publics (fastfood, train). Essayez également de cloisonner au maximum les usages professionnels et personnels. N'utilisez pas vos outils perso pour vous connecter au réseau d'entreprise. N'utilisez pas votre mot de passe Pro pour votre compte facebook. etc.
Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your network and devices. You should set strong passwords that are long, complex, and unique for each account and device. You should also change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple purposes. You can use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely. You should also enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of verification, such as a code, a token, or a biometric.
Software updates are essential for keeping your network and devices secure and efficient. Updates can fix bugs, vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues that can compromise your network performance and security. You should update your operating system, applications, firmware, and drivers regularly and automatically. You should also use antivirus and anti-malware software and keep them updated. You should also avoid installing or running software from unknown or untrusted sources.
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Mantenha seu dispositivo e aplicativos atualizados, instalando as atualizações de segurança mais recentes fornecidas pelo fabricante. Baixe aplicativos apenas de fontes confiáveis, como lojas oficiais de aplicativos. Além disso, use soluções de segurança móvel que possam detectar e bloquear aplicativos maliciosos.
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Oui sans les mises à jour nos appareils deviennent obseletes, car les mises sont là pour régénérer nos appareils. En un mot les mettre à jours sur les applications, les systèmes et les pilotes du moment. Il est donc important de faire ces mises à jours qui redonne un nouveau visage à nos appareils, systèmes et logiciels etc.
Access control is the process of granting or denying permissions to your network and devices based on certain criteria, such as identity, role, location, or time. Access control can help you limit the exposure and impact of a potential breach or attack. You should use access control policies and tools to define who, what, when, where, and how your network and devices can be accessed. You should also use logging and auditing tools to monitor and track your network and device activity and detect any anomalies or suspicious behavior.
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access control measures play a pivotal role in securing networks when utilizing mobile devices. By regulating access based on criteria like identity and role, organizations effectively mitigate the potential impact of security breaches. For example, employing access control policies to limit access to sensitive data ensures only authorized users can retrieve it, reducing the risk of unauthorized breaches. Furthermore, implementing logging and auditing tools allows for continuous monitoring of network activity, enabling swift detection of anomalies or suspicious behavior. This proactive approach not only bolsters network resilience but also fosters user trust and confidence in the security measures implemented,
Physical security is the protection of your network and devices from theft, loss, or damage. Physical security can prevent unauthorized access to your data and devices, as well as reduce the risk of data leakage or destruction. You should secure your physical devices by locking them with a PIN, a pattern, or a biometric. You should also use a device locator, a remote wipe, or a kill switch feature to locate, erase, or disable your device in case of loss or theft. You should also label your devices with contact information and encrypt your backups.
Education is the key to improving your network and device security awareness and skills. Education can help you learn about the latest threats, trends, and best practices in network and device security. You should educate yourself and others by reading, watching, or listening to reputable sources of information, such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, or courses. You should also participate in online forums, communities, or events to share your knowledge and experience with other network administrators.
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At my organization we developed a comprehensive mobile security strategy. By aligning the security strategy with principles of SASE, we successfully integrated networking and security functions into a unified service. Specifics of our internal services included identifying and prioritizing security requirements specific to mobile devices, including data encryption, identity and access management, and threat detection and response.
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To secure your network when using mobile devices, use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly update your devices and apps, and install a reputable mobile security app. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities; if necessary, use a VPN. Be cautious of unsolicited communications asking for personal information. Use the device’s encryption to protect data and regularly back up your data. These steps can significantly reduce your risk, but remember, no security measure is 100% foolproof. Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices.
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A segurança em dispositivos móveis apresenta desafios exclusivos devido à natureza portátil desses dispositivos e à sua conectividade constante. É fundamental estar ciente dos riscos associados aos dispositivos móveis e implementar práticas de segurança adequadas, como atualizações regulares, proteção por senha, uso de redes confiáveis e cuidado ao compartilhar informações pessoais. Ao adotar medidas proativas de segurança, é possível reduzir significativamente os riscos e proteger seus dispositivos móveis e dados contra ameaças cibernéticas.
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MDM solutions secure your companies mobile/tablets devices remotely via Microsoft's Intune or Addigy for Mac via remote policy and management. The best features of these solutions are mobile device wipe for loss or stolen devices, and geo location tracking for online devices. This gives a new level of visibility over remote company owned assets.
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