Let me first start by saying: The cloud is secure enough for your industry. I don’t care if you’re in finance, worried about HIPAA compliance, in consumer services or an attorney in any state. While there are a few things that need to be addressed, the cloud offers just as much (if not more) security than an in-house server option when properly devised and executed. As you continue to assess the cloud for your organization, you’ll want to address these new concerns with data and security. In order to properly address them and ensure that your organization is set up for success, you need to consider each one prior to getting started.
It’s no secret that mobility is a game changer for organizations. But how do you handle BYOD, passwords, and avoid your data getting into the wrong hands? We’ve got some tips for you.
Here are our top 3 mobile security tips for organizations considering the cloud:
Secure passwords for mobile devices.
Whether your employee is bringing in their own device or you are providing one for them to use, that device needs a passcode. The more obstacles you put in the way of an unauthorized user, the less likely you are to have data breach issues. Almost all mobile devices come naturally equipped with this option. This way if your user happens to lose or misplace their device, there’s no way for someone to access it without having the passcode.
Approved Applications.
It’s important to communicate to your users that no apps are 100% secure. While Apple has much more strict guidelines when it comes to development, this is sometimes a concern with Android or “jailbroken” Apple devices. While you cannot have 100% control over downloaded applications, know that providing guidelines to your users if they want to bring their own device is crucial to ensure that your data is protected.
Have a written policy in place.
When it comes to security in the cloud, leave no room for interpretation. It’s important that users understand that every new application they introduce into the fold should be carefully analyzed prior to downloading it onto their device. If you have a policy in place that clearly delineates the requirements for mobile devices and BYOD, you can better ensure the security of your data.
Whenever you make the decision to embrace any type of technology, if you don’t do your diligence to cover up any security holes, there are always risks. As long as you take work with a reputable vendor, you’ll be well aware of these risks and able to provide the coverage that’s right for your organization. When you introduce the cloud into your environment, be sure to present mobile security policies, provide a list of approved applications (or criteria for approved applications) and require each device with access to your cloud application or servers have a passcode.
Above all, you want to make sure that you have a partner in all of this that can consult you on the risks associated with mobile devices and cloud hosting. Never discount the benefit of a knowledgeable resource.
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