Among all types of a business’s assets, mobile devices are some of the most expensive and most mission-critical. Employees rely on smartphones to communicate with each other. Tablets are used as POS systems and digital menus. Laptops are essential in operations, management, and head-office work. To minimize disruptions in the business and reduce unnecessary repairs and replacements, here are the best ways to protect your company’s mobile devices.
Smartphones and tablets
The use of smartphones and tablets in business yields many benefits, including improved communication, productivity, and efficiency, making them some of the most important device assets for a business. However, smartphones and tablets can be easily damaged, lost, or stolen, especially with the frequency they are used in typical business operations. To keep company-owned smartphones and tablets safe, here are some tips that you need to follow:
Update OS regularly.
Operating System (OS) updates help improve the functionality of a smartphone or tablet, and in turn, the overall user experience that it provides. More importantly, they fix security issues and patch holes that may put your business at risk of cyberattacks. Therefore, make it a point to update your devices as soon as updates become available. Cybercriminals find it easier to hack into smartphones or tablets that run on outdated operating systems.
Enable tracking apps.
Download and enable apps that can help you locate your devices if they happen to get lost or stolen. Some apps also have a feature that lets you wipe the device clean to prevent unauthorized people from accessing your data.
Download relevant apps only.
Make it a rule in the workplace that only relevant apps should be downloaded on company-owned mobile devices. Employees must not download any non-business-related apps from third-party stores, which can be sources of data threats. Moreover, only allowing business-related apps will help ensure maximum productivity by discouraging employees to use apps for leisure while on company time.
Install cases.
Without installing proper casing on your phone or tablet, you could be making an unexpected trip to the Samsung phone repair service center. The risk of accidentally dropping or hitting mobile devices is always present in a business setting, especially a fast-paced one, so make the necessary precautions by fitting your company-owned devices with durable, high-quality casing as well as screen protectors.
Store devices in safe places.
When devices are not in use, keep them in secure spaces, such as in a safe or in a locked office. Do not leave them in an unlocked cabinet under the counter or worse, out in the open.
Laptops
Laptops are a lot bigger than what is typically considered mobile devices, but due to their portability, laptops are technically mobile devices, too. Unfortunately, it is also this portability that makes them susceptible to theft, damage, and loss, but there are a lot of ways you can prevent these things from happening:
Purchase portable device locks.
These locks tether laptops to hard-to-move objects, such as a counter or table, helping reduce the likelihood of theft.
Install tracking software.
Similar to tracking apps, tracking software on laptops keep track of their location and help you pinpoint where your missing computer is. Making this precaution is especially important if your company laptops are taken out of the office for business trips or other matters.
Keep security software up-to-date.
Don’t expose your data to the risk of theft; keep your anti-virus software up-to-date at all times.
Encrypt your data.
A dedicated hacker can still gain access to your data even with strong passwords and good security software. Make your data useless to them by encrypting; a process that converts data into code and makes it harder or even impossible for data thieves to steal your information.
Invest in physical protection.
Install a privacy screen to prevent sensitive company data from getting looked at and get a cover for your webcam to protect your privacy from hackers.
General tips
1. Set complex passwords.
Keep passwords hard-to-guess and change them on a regular basis.
2. Be wary of public networks.
Advise employees to avoid connecting to public networks unless it is an emergency. If they must connect to a public network, they should not transfer sensitive data over it.
3. Install non-removable ID labels.
Put metal tags with your company’s information on the label on all of your mobile devices to discourage theft. Devices with non-removable identification labels are harder to sell or use in public.
Taking these precautionary measures will not only help you avoid unnecessary expenses, but it is also necessary for protecting sensitive company information as well as preventing the loss of valuable data that are necessary for smooth operations.
