It has been more than two years since many firms allowed their employees to work remotely. The remote workforce was not so prominent before the corona pandemic struck. Although the worst part of the pandemic may be over, firms have discovered that allowing employees to work remotely does not necessarily bring down productivity. It is a cost-cutting measure without compromising effectiveness & efficiency. So, let’s discuss how to ensure mobile app security in 2022.
What is Mobile App Security?
Remote working springs up various challenges for the company, including data privacy, hacking threats, and classified information going out of the company premises. All such threats have forced companies to maintain a checklist to ensure nothing goes wrong. Any data theft or hacking can cost the company millions of dollars and tarnish its reputation as well. All these needs to be considered during mobile app development.
Facts & Figures of Cyber Attacks due to remote work:
- About 25% of all employees have seen an increase in phishing emails since the beginning of the Covid pandemic(Source: Deloitte)
- 32% used their personal PC/laptop to access their corporate network or servers(Source: Security Magazine)
- There was a 300% increase in cybercrimes reported to the FBI(Source: Varonis)
- The average cost to the company due to a malware attack is USD 2.6 million(Source: Varonis)
- Damage caused due to cyber attacks is expected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025(Source: Varonis)
To prevent Cyberattacks, here is a checklist for remote work in 2022:
- Educate your Employees regarding Cyber Security
All employees are not necessarily aware of cyber threats and take measures to prevent them. This means, they should be made aware of best practices and precautions to be taken while working remotely. For one, working from coffee shops or restaurants, making use of public Wi-Fi should not be allowed. Also, personal laptops, tablets should not be used unless the company has approved them.
(2) Ensure 2-Factor Authentication(2FA)
This is an effective way of preventing any unauthorized logins into company applications. Along with passwords, there should always be a second layer of authorization for logins via One Time Passwords(OTPs). Another method of 2FA is by asking a Security question, whose answer is known only to the employee. Username & passwords are easier to hack than 2-factor authentication.
(3) Use Password Management Software
Instead of directly sending passwords via emails or messages, it would be much safer to send them in an encrypted mode via Password Management software. Most cyber threats occur as criminals get credentials of the company’s applications. If undetected, this can cause not only data thefts but may also cause monetary losses. Employees should also be asked to have strong passwords and frequently change them.
(4) Use Data Encryption methods
Sending files & messages without end-to-end encryption is always a risk, no matter whether it is meant for third-party applications or for own employees working remotely. Data encryption tools are not costly and always add an extra layer of security. In case of a lost or stolen device, encryption software will prevent undesired access. The company should also ensure that any application used for official chat, emails should have end-to-end encryption.
(5) Virtual Private Networks(VPN) or Zero Trust Security Network
A Virtual Private Network for employees working remotely is another way of safeguarding sensitive data and preventing hackers from eavesdropping on the company’s operations. VPN creates a tunnel through which all the data passes and even masks the IP address of users. VPN is a must for a company having multiple offices around the world. Zero Trust Security Network takes a step further by eliminating loopholes in Virtual Private Network. The remote workforce level of access is lesser as compared to those working from an office in Zero Trust Security Network, while in VPN, it is identical for both.
(6) Ensure Safe Internet Connections
Using public Wi-Fi in a restaurant, gym or airport can be very risky. Access to the company’s database or applications should be only through a VPN or Zero Trust Security Network. VPN should use either Secure Sockets Layer(SSL) or
IPsec(Internet Protocol Security) depending on the requirement. Third-party vendors also need to be monitored by recordings for any policy violation or suspicious activity.
(7) Use Cloud Storage & Do Not Use Freeware
The remote workforce also needs access to company databases. To ensure no unauthorized access, data should be stored on cloud servers rather than on company servers. Virtual desktops with access to cloud storage are much safer than conventional desktops.
Although freeware may appear harmless, it often has bugs and ads that are very distracting while working.
(8) Install Firewalls & Anti-Virus Software
All devices used by remote workers for official work should have firewalls and antivirus software installed. Technical assistance should be provided to employees to install them properly. In case a device is lost, the company should be able to erase all the data stored in it. Certain applications should be blocked and harmful downloads prevented.
On a closing note…
The cost of having all these checks in place is much less than what will be incurred in case of a cyber-attack. It is better to be safe than sorry and follow best practices to prevent cyber-attacks. With remote work to stay even after the pandemic is over, more sophisticated tools will be required for keeping corporate networks safe.
For now, follow the above checklist to Stay Safe, Stay Secure!
