Solutions for mobile device protection

Mobile threats are divided into 3 types: device level, network level and application level. Each species has its own specifics and methods of prevention.

Device-level threats exist due to imperfections in operating systems and drivers. Each phone has basic factory protection and hackers are looking for ways to break it. To do this, hackers use exploits — special programs that use vulnerabilities in smartphone software.

Network-level threats use control over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-cable, SMS-messages, voice calls. For example, attackers can use vulnerable wireless access points to act as an intermediary between an employee’s device and a server.

Application-level threats involve the use of malicious software. IOS and Android app stores block hundreds of suspicious mobile apps every day. In addition to malware, there is also so-called gray software, which can also be dangerous for sensitive company data.

That’s why mobile security is not about installing a single application. The solution should cover all levels, monitor and analyze devices, promptly eliminate threats and warn users about potentially harmful objects, web resources and dangerous actions.

There are various solutions to ensure the protection of mobile devices at all levels described:

At the device level — Endpoint Protection (protection of mobile endpoints). It is a software approach that helps identify user devices and control access to data on the corporate network.

At the level of e-mail and information — Phishing and Content Protection (protection against phishing and malware content). The systems block both already known phishing sites and resources that are not in the database.

At the application level — Mobile Risk and Compliance and Embedded App Defense. Mobile applications can violate corporate rules, risks, and compliance. Because they are an integral part of our personal and professional lives, most of us do not think about the serious risks they can create for the company.

At the network level — Mobile Vulnerability and Patch Management. Now that tablets and smartphones are used in almost all business processes, there is no need to hope that employees will keep their operating system and applications up to date. The risk would be less if these devices were used only for reading e-mail, but they have the same access to data as any laptop and desktop computer. The solution allows you to monitor each version of the operating system and mobile application in the organization for timely updates.

There are many products to ensure the security of mobile devices and each is aimed at working with a certain level. There is no single program that will analyze and monitor all areas of threats.