--- title: "Quick Guide to Mobile Device Security: Risks & Best Practices" description: Most people are never far away from a tablet, smartphone or both. 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[Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/) - [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/) Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices # Quick Guide to Mobile Device Security: Risks & Best Practices ![Default Author](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Vertical_Blue.png) TEAM ASCEND January 16, 2017 - [![LinkedIn](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/LinkedIn-color%20(1).svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fquick-guide-to-mobile-device-security) - [![Facebook](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%203%20(1).svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fquick-guide-to-mobile-device-security) - [![Email](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Group%20427320686.svg)](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EQuick+Guide+to+Mobile+Device+Security%3A+Risks+%26+Best+Practices%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fquick-guide-to-mobile-device-security) ![](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Blog%20Feature%20Images/011617_QuickGuidetoMobileDevice.jpg) Most people are never far away from a tablet, smartphone or both. In fact, according to a Bank of America survey, more people reach for their phone first thing in the morning than a toothbrush or cup of coffee. Yet our attachment to our phones brings new risks. With the advent of BYOD in the workplace, businesses must face the fact that their corporate data could be compromised. Every mobile device connected to the corporate network or running business applications can be an entry point for an attack. Complacency isn’t an option. Here’s what businesses need to know about mobile security in 2017. ### The Mobile Threat Landscape In today’s world, mobile threats abound. Here are some reasons why: - Mobile devices are easy to misplace—or steal. Once a phone is in the wrong hands, it is easy to get around a passcode or other security device. - Hackers trick users into opening malicious links and attachments. Increasingly, text messages with malicious links are being utilized. Android devices are particularly vulnerable. - Devices can be attacked through a variety of means, including SMS and MMS messaging services. Attackers may gain control of the device or attempt a distributed denial of services (DDoS). - When mobile devices are connected to public WiFi networks, they are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks that spy on users or hijack devices. - Insiders can intentionally or unintentionally enable attacks by downloading malicious applications or transmitting data. - Spyware can control devices remotely, oftentimes tricking users into revealing personally identifying information. - Malware tricks users into disclosing information, including Apple ID and password information and log-in IDs to e-commerce websites. ### Signs You’re Complacent Are you prepared for these mobile threats? Many businesses aren’t. Diligently assess your business. If any of the following apply to you, your mobile security could probably use some shoring up: - You don’t have a formal BYOD policy in place for employees, or your policy hasn’t been updated in a year or more. - Many company-owned devices are missing. - You don’t require employees to update the OS on their mobile devices regularly. - You are not currently deploying app reputation software, which helps businesses regulate the apps downloaded to devices. ### Mobile Security Best Practices If signs show your mobile security is lackluster, consider adopting these best practices to improve your posture: - Develop a mobile device usage policy that describes how employees should use devices while on and off-duty. This needs to be created by a lawyer. Precedents have been set where companies have been sued for remotely wiping BYOD devices. - Make sure that all current and new employees understand the policy, and agree to comply in writing. - Make sure that your security policy is simple for employees to follow. - Adopt best practices for passwords, encryption and remote wipe. - Deploy a mobile device management (MDM) platform. - Create a system for backing up your data and recovering it when necessary.   While there is no foolproof method for cybersecurity, taking these steps will do much to reduce your risk. So will consulting with a [managed security services ](https://infogressive.com/services/managed-security/)provider like Ascend Technologies. Our team can deliver the advantages of best-in-class technologies to protect against mobile threats.   ### Table of Contents #### Get Insights Sent to Your Inbox ## Related Articles ![How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/software-engineers-collaborating-on-code-in-office-2026-09-21-23-15-07-utc.jpg) Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices ### [How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) September 24, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend) ![How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1458786464.jpeg) Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices ### [How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) September 22, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business) ![What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/woman-working-from-home-at-desk-with-laptop-2026-03-13-01-57-07-utc.jpg) Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices ### [What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) September 17, 2026 [Read Now ![arrow](https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/SVG%20(2).svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries) [![Ascend Technologies](https://blog.teamascend.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Ascend/Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png?width=200&height=107&name=Ascend%20Technologies_Horizontal_FullColor_White.png)](https://teamascend.com/) Contact 833-639-2285 - - - - - - Company - [About](https://teamascend.com/about/) - [Services](https://teamascend.com/services/) - [Testimonials](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/) - [Partner With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/) - [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/) - [Contact](https://teamascend.com/contact/) - [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/) - Services - [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/) - [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/) - [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/) - [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/) - [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/) - [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/) - [Salesforce Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/) - [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/) - [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/) ### Empowering Technology. Powered by People. Technology is critical to businesses across all industries. Today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. At Ascend Technologies, we deliver solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies to Salesforce excellence. And the team? As impressive as the tech. Our practical support is focused on one thing: your success. Let's see what we can do together. [Contact Us](https://teamascend.com/contact/) ©2026 Ascend Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://teamascend.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://blog.teamascend.com", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 } ] }, "dateModified" : "2021-10-11T21🇲🇲59", "description" : "Most people are never far away from a tablet, smartphone or both. 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