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Tips for Training Your Team on Mobile Device Safety

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Why Mobile Device Security Matters for Nigerian Companies

Nigerian businesses are currently more mobile-dependent than ever before due to the nature of the current digital economy. Corporate organisations cannot do without using portable devices, starting with business project management and interacting with customers up to the point of sales through payment. However, as mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops increase, so does the risk they pose. In Nigeria, where digital transformation is fast becoming the order of the day, the risks involved for organizations that seek to shield their data, employees and reputation from cyber threats are very high.

As mobile device security becomes an issue, Nigerian business people need to be on the lookout and remain alert. Here, we’ll discuss why companies need to secure mobile devices, what major threats are out there and how to apply mobile security best practices to protect Nigerian organizations from cyber criminals.

 

The Growing Need for Mobile Device Security in Nigeria

Smartphones and tablets have enhanced Nigerian enterprises to new levels by enabling personnel to have flexibility when working and then be efficient while on the move. However, with this, there comes another set of security risks that have cropped up. While in conventional working environments such as office environments, business desktops and servers, for instance, are protected by firewalls and other forms of protection; conversely, mobile devices are not similarly protected to the same degree. They frequently visit and leave secure areas; they link into insecure networks; and can be lost or stolen – all factors that make them attractive to hackers.

Therefore, the security of mobile devices in Nigeria becomes an unalterable component rather than an upgrade for organizations that seek the security of their data and operational continuity. The use of cyber security has gradually gained importance in Nigeria in response to these threats as organizations are increasingly under attack, for instance, malware and ransomware attacks, phishing and stolen devices. Enterprise mobile security solutions have, therefore, emerged as crucial in protecting such information and building customer, supplier, and investor confidence.

 

How Mobile Device Threats Can Hurt Your Business in Nigeria

1. Data Breaches and Loss

Smartphones and tablets are employed to work with and store various business data, be it customers’ information, financial data, etc. Critically exposing these valuable assets to mobile security threats in Nigeria currently has no sturdy protection measures to prevent data breach access. Some of the repercussions that Nigerian businesses which undergo data loss are liable to are; reputational loss, fines/penalties, and legal repercussions.

 

2. Device Theft and Physical Loss

Nigerian employees become involved with smartphones and tablets in the workplace and social settings. These devices are pocket-sized and hence are easily susceptible to theft. If a device is lost or even stolen the respective company data becomes vulnerable to whoever has the device. This is why mobile device management in Nigeria needs to have elaborate procedures for erasing data or locking devices remotely.

 

3. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

SMS phishing assaults are on the rise and are attacking mobile users who are deemed trustworthy and have short attention spans when it comes to reading messages on their screens, social media is also under attack. Mobile threat protection in Nigeria should also be part of Nigerian business cybersecurity solutions since it is effective in preventing phishing attacks from ever getting to the users’ mobile devices.

 

4. Unsecured Networks and Wi-Fi Connections

Employees use the Internet in coffee shops, airports, and other public places and choose unprotected WI-FI networks, which is insecure. Most public networks have hackers who secretly wait for the transmission of sensitive data between the devices and the corporate servers. Mobile security policies in corporate organizations in Nigeria should include the recommendation of using VPN and encrypted networks to have a reliable connection regardless of the place.

 

5. Malware and Spyware Attacks

Malware and spyware are common in mining mobile devices. Software that is downloaded from other sources not controlled by the app stores can contain viruses once installed, it can eavesdrop on other apps, steal app or device data, and gain full control of the device. Mobile security best practices that Nigerian companies’ employees should adhere to include performing an app download from verified Channels, and utilizing mobile security software that scans for malware.

 

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Mobile Security Solutions Nigerian Companies Should Implement

Against these risks, Nigerian businesses require a comprehensive strategy towards mobile device security. Below are the steps Nigerian firms must follow to develop a strong cybersecurity strategy in their organisations.

 

1. Adopt a Comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) System

Mobile device management in Nigeria plays an important role for any organization desiring to manage all mobile devices connecting to its network. A basic benefit is the ability to manage, monitor and control those company-provided or approved devices for use, so in case of loss or theft, it is possible to wipe or lock the losing party’s device remotely. Whether through application control or data encryption, MDM services give an organization a more centralized way to protect against unauthorized access to company information on mobile equipment.

 

2. Enforce Strong Authentication and Access Controls

The problem of data security for Nigerian companies implies the need for optimizing user authentication. With 2FA and complex passwords in place, companies can make it much harder for the wrong person to gain access to business data. Fingerprint and face recognition are promising features to improve the level of security because even if the enemy gets physical access to the device it will be hard for him to break through the additional layer of protection.

 

3. Educate Employees on Mobile Security Best Practices

Though they have their pros and cons in organizations, it is worthy of note that employee training is one of the key areas that need to be addressed in the implementation of mobile device security in Nigeria. Employees need to know how to recognize phishing scams, how not to connect to unsafe networks and the dangers of using mobile devices. Periodical training enables the employees to identify threats and keep to the set corporate mobile security policies hence emulating a fortified human barrier against the attacks.

 

4. Regularly Update and Patch Devices

Mobile operating systems and applications have updates for addressing security issues most of the time. Nigerian organisations should enforce policies which ensure updates on all corporate devices regularly to eliminate such shortcomings. Preventing updates means letting dangerous bugs into an enterprise and so it is a good practice always to update the applications since old and unpatched ones are attractive to hackers.

 

5. Use Mobile Threat Detection Solutions

Mobile threat protection in Nigeria needs enhancement through the use of apps that will protect the device against malware, ransomware and other threats. Other typical mobile security apps also provide real-time monitoring services to notify users of any suspicious behavior while also denying downloads associated with high risk. Mobile threat protection solutions are available for use by Nigerian companies should be outfitted with strong defense capabilities that are compatible with Nigeria’s unique environment.

 

What One Nigerian Business Learned About Data Protection

Take the example of a financial institution in Lagos which recently deployed an MDM system to control its corporate-owned smartphones and tablets. The institution had recently fallen victim to a data leak a gadget had been stolen and with it personal client information. With the help of MDM, the company managed to lock and delete information on the device; making sure it did not retrieve any information that could be damaging in the future.

This case clearly explains why mobile security solutions are so key in Nigeria. With the help of MDM policies, such as lost company devices and security leaks are not of concern anymore, since the devices can now be controlled remotely.

 

Conclusion

As business in Nigeria continues to evolve towards a digital-first world where mobile devices are the drivers of business growth and increase efficiency for organizations, the security of mobile devices remains crucial in supporting the security of sensitive information, stability of operations, and preservation of the reputation of organizations. When Nigeria’s companies start embracing mobile-first strategies, they open themselves up to new threat vectors including data theft, malware, and lost or stolen devices.

Mobile Security best practices such as device level security, threats, detection and other related practices must be adopted to ensure considerate security of data in Nigeria. It is important to ensure that the employees are trained, to use strong authentication and to update devices regularly as we build our cybersecurity defense strategies. By so doing, it will be possible for Nigerian companies to enhance their use of mobile devices as safe organizational assets needed for business growth and development without having to risk the integrity of organizational data.

More than ever before, no Nigerian organization can attempt to function or operate without giving due consideration to the security of data, its people, and assets. Mobile device security therefore becomes not a hindrance but a powerful tool, provided businesses treat it as a tactic and engage it as an opportunity. Enterprise mobile security and an effective mobile security solution can help Nigerian businesses overcome the challenges seen in the current and future state of cybersecurity.