What is Mobile Data Security?
A report issued earlier this year by Statista showed that in December 2022, there were 2.2 million cyberattacks to mobile devices globally and that 9% of all cyberattacks went through mobile equipment. As a result, it is critical for mobile data security to be optimised as much as possible.
Mobile data security involves the protection of mobile devices (and the networks they connect to) from cyber threats. The goal of mobile data security is to not only protect users from the risks of cyberattacks, but also to ensure users feel confident that data stored on their devices is secure and free from risk. For many businesses, mobile data security plays a fundamental role in their security strategy.
Is Mobile data secure?
When your device is not connected to a Wi-Fi network, it relies on mobile data to provide you with a global connection. This means that unless manually switched off, even when you are not using your device, it will still be sending data back and forth. Sometimes, this can be as simple as a news app updating in the background; other times, it could be a software update for the handset itself. To do this, it needs to be connected to a network in order to receive data for executing the operation. Many switch mobile data off, preferring to use Wi-Fi when it is available. Thoughts of it being cheaper, safer and more reliable come to mind.
However, mobile data is considered more secure than its Wi-Fi counterpart. How much more secure it is would depend on which type of Wi-Fi network you use. For example, if you were connected to an open Wi-Fi network in a shopping centre, you’d find its security capabilities much weaker than your own mobile data connection.
At home or work, your Wi-Fi is often password protected, but if the password become common knowledge (either through theft or sharing), data breaches quickly become much more possible.
With mobile data, information both sent and received is encrypted, making it much harder to steal. As a result, even opportunists won’t necessarily be able to make any use of it. However, it is still possible for data security on mobile devices to be compromised. In addition, as more of us are opting to use mobile devices over of desktops, the likelihood of breaches will only increase.
What could indicate mobile data security has been breached?
Smartphones, laptops and tablets for both business and personal use can all exhibit signs of mobile data security being breached. Some of the indicators of a breach are things often attributed to something else entirely, such as the usual signs of wear and tear seen on old or faulty devices. This could prove problematic as behind the scenes, valuable information stored on the device may be getting wiped, cloned, stolen or used without your knowledge.
Signs your devices have been hacked could include:
- Fast battery drain
- Passwords for devices, apps or sites not working
- New apps installed and old apps deleted
- Unusual searches in browser
- Random messages being sent to contacts
- Website browsing being redirected frequently
- Strange activity on accounts
How to secure my mobile data
There are a few things you can do that will restrict access to your mobile data. Some may involve more significant investment, but others only require a few simple steps.
Encryption
Whilst many mobile data signals are encrypted, this is not always guaranteed. Where possible, consider protecting data by encoding it so only those with authorisation can access it. This concerns data you have stored on the device, or data being transmitted over a network.
Authentication
Access to your mobile devices for those unauthorised to do so could lead to data compromises. Whilst they may be unintentional in some cases, they could be malicious in others. Looking at incorporating 2FA (two-factor authentication), biometrics or frequently changed passwords can help avoid data security breaches.
App security
There are hundreds of apps available to download for free, but some may not deliver what they claim. Some can enhance our productivity; some refine workplace processes and others may simply be for entertainment. However, downloading them from third-party app stores could be inviting data theft. Always ensure you download from trusted sources, and that you automatically update apps when required.
VPNs and HTTPS
When data is transmitted over networks, it can be easy for it to fall into the wrong hands, especially if you use public Wi-Fi or use mobile data to access vulnerable sites. Consider using a VPN to help provide added protection and secure communication protocols like HTTPS.
Patch management
Many devices will schedule automatic updates to help protect against vulnerabilities, but you may find that on some mobile devices, updates are manual and not automatic. It is worth checking this and switching to automatic if possible.
Remote wiping
If mobile devices are lost or compromised, they may require remote wiping to ensure data is not stolen or manipulated. Setting a procedure in place to reset and wipe a device remotely could save you financially, as well as alleviate the concern that private information has been acquired by thieves.
Motorola ThinkShield
You can further protect your Motorola devices with Motorola ThinkShield. This comprehensive security platform protects devices from a range of security threats. Adding an enhanced layer of protection, it significantly improves upon what you already have in place. Delivering business-grade security, you will be fully protected 24/7.
The features of ThinkShield
Mobile data security can unfortunately be compromised, but at Motorola, we strive to protect data. We start this with a secure boot, ensuring sure your device(s) only ever start up with trusted software by verifying the integrity of your boot-up process.
We then add a layer of encryption. The trusted platform module ensures that sensitive information stored on any mobile device is always protected. We’ve also factored in tamper-resistant hardware so that even physical damage cannot compromise your valued data.
ThinkShield is programmed to provide timely updates to ensure the latest threats are avoided. These updates will also mean that any vulnerabilities in your device are fixed to always guarantee maximum security.
Business security is vital in this digital world, and Motorola ThinkShield allows businesses to manage and enforce security policies across a fleet of mobile devices. This gives administrators the ability to wipe or lock devices when necessary, or manage app permissions to reduce the potential for risky downloads.
Add in VPN support and Wi-Fi protection and you can rest assured that data remains secure, even if you connect to public Wi-Fi.
The key benefits of Motorola ThinkShield
You may have already seen the features that help make ThinkShield a favourite security feature in businesses, but it is also a favourite for personal mobile users too. Its robust features, real-time threat detection and business-friendly set-up ensure maximum mobile data security at all times.
If you are looking to add the Motorola family to your business and benefit from the added security it brings, you can find out more about Motorola ThinkShield and see the changes it can bring. Alternatively, browse our Motorola business page to find out a little more about how we keep people connected and safe.
