An employee’s smartphone can be a mobile data security landmine. Here are five steps you can take to keep the information on smartphones safe:
- Set a password – It may be common sense, but most users won’t enable password protection themselves. The first thing IT should do when distributing or approving a smartphone is password-protect the device.
- Choose the right encryption – On a BlackBerry, for example, you can encrypt just the device’s media card, or everything saved on the phone (such as contacts), as well control the strength of the encryption. More encryption means a slower device, so tailor your choice to the kinds of info the user is carrying.
- Lock down Bluetooth connectivity – Some smartphones can connect with each other via Bluetooth when they’re within a certain distance apart. You’ll probably want to make sure that option is turned off.
- Give on-device data extra protection – The BlackBerry has a tool called Password Protector that stores passwords and requires a password to view them. Tell users to take advantage of that app, rather than storing important information in e-mails or notes.
- Wipe discarded devices – If you ever get rid of a smartphone, make sure all the data is wiped beforehand. Also tell users to let IT know ASAP if the device is lost or stolen, so it can be wiped remotely.
Read more about smartphone security here.