
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.
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.