Mobile security to step up a gear
It must be one of those of nightmare moments for any business worker: the realisation that they have lost their mobile device, with all that company data and contacts on it. Aside from the value of the phone, the risk that someone else could steal that data is genuinely scary. While most phones can be PIN locked, thumbprint protected or remotely wiped, there’s always those few hours where any thief could be doing anything to the device.
The good news is that devices continue to improve. For a start, Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile’s upcoming upgrade will feature thumbprint ID support. This will help future generations of Windows devices remain more secure, and improve the access user experience a little. Android devices also continue to improve the security, with the latest Marshmallow update providing much needed improvements in app permissions to prevent certain apps from using the microphone, GPS, data functions and other features of the phone. Google’s fast and efficient fingerprint API is also now a standard part of the Android OS, along with the option to install all security updates at regular intervals to make sure those Google, Samsung or other Android devices remains protected.
Apple iOS users generally remain among the best protected, as proved by the trouble American Law Enforcement has had breaking into criminals’ devices. However, Apple is not resting on its security laurels and has major plans for the next version of iOS. These may include rootless setup to the device, making it inaccessible to any theoretical admin or superuser. But for business users, Apple continues to add improved features for workers in the office or on the go. These are focused around the new iPad Pro devices that encourage better working and efficiency through split-screen apps, better copy and paste functionality and more office-friendly apps and collaborations.
Whatever your plans for mobile working, we can help set up all the hardware and software infrastructure you need to manage devices, ensure security of your business data and contacts, and provide secure email and cloud from any device. Get in touch to find out how we can help.
