Do you know what mobile apps access your business network? A recent report issued by NetSkope indicated 97% of cloud apps are uncontrolled freebies. With many working from home due to the pandemic, people looked for accessible communication and sharing.
They downloaded to their mobile devices at home. Do you think all the apps on Google and Apple’s stores are trusty? Checkpoint reported malware-infected apps that passed Google Play Protect.
Aren’t Apple apps safe? No, not even Apple is safe from malware. What’s a business to do to protect its network?
One option is IT creating rules around using personal devices in the workplace that access the network. Another option is hosting all applications accessed through mobile devices, essentially making the devices remote desktops. If control of personal devices remains difficult, consider mobile device management tools.
Reducing risk to your network means controlling access and sniffing out threats. Security information and event management software or SIEM helps monitor what’s happening in your network to identify possible threats.
What are the apps posing the highest threat? Social media and messaging apps tend to track websites and locations visited, and more. Unauthorized remote access and cloud storage apps could direct your company data to who knows where.
Third-party app plugins can allow easy access to confidential data and files. Cybercriminals love this avenue to access data; it’s a snap. Gaming apps are the worst, known for containing nasty malware that can infiltrate your network.
Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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