Best Practices for Protecting Your Mobile Devices While Traveling
Keep Your Phone Locked and Protected
You might know some people who don?t lock their smartphones, and it?s a huge mistake to leave something so simple out of your mobile device travel strategy. What would happen if you were to lose your device? What if it were stolen by someone hoping to make a quick buck off your device or the data it holds? We recommend using multi-factor authentication for your phone, including a passcode and a biometric measure of some kind. In fact, you should be using multi-factor authentication for just about any device or account where it?s available.
Use a Virtual Private Network
Businesses need to keep connected to a wireless network in order to stay connected to their home base, but the problem is that a lot of the wireless connections out there are unsecured and dangerous for devices with sensitive information on them. When you use a virtual private network, you can encrypt data that is sent to and from your device, allowing for the secure transmission of information while out of the office.
Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Not in Use
Many people tend to keep their Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled at all times, even when they are not actively being used. This is dangerous, as devices can automatically connect to networks that might be considered risky. We recommend just disabling these connections when not in use. Your battery will also last longer, as your devices will not be actively seeking out connections while out and about.
Use a Mobile Device Management System
Any number of issues could occur when you are on the road. Even if you just set down your device for a moment, someone could pick it up and walk away with it, putting the data on it at risk. A mobile device management tool can help mitigate these dangers somewhat. It won?t help you get your device back, but it will protect the data stored on it in the event of theft. Your mobile device management solution should include the whitelisting and blacklisting of applications, remote wiping of lost or stolen devices, and device location services.
White Mountain IT Services can work with your business to ensure that mobile devices are not the reason why your employees fear traveling. To learn more about how we can help you stay safe while on the go, reach out to us at (603) 889-0800.