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Let The Mechanic Group Help Protect Your Firm From Mobile Device Security Breaches

Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Let The Mechanic Group Help Protect Your Firm From Mobile Device Security Breaches
March 19, 2012 - Pearl River, NY

According to Morgan Stanley, mobile device sales will exceed personal computer sales for the first time this year. Unfortunately, company policies regarding mobile device security have lagged behind.

Following is a list of recommendations to help companies catch up:

Secure All Mobile Devices – A report issued by McAfee and Carnegie Mellon has reported that four out of ten organizations have had mobile devices stolen or lost. Given this high incidence, the first and most obvious line of defense is to alert employees of the need for vigilance. Begin by communicating simple instructions: don't leave your mobile device unattended, don't place your mobile device in plain view on a table and store your mobile device in a secure place.

Establish a Consistent Company Policy – Take time to draft and disseminate a consistent policy to all staff members. Update this policy as technology advances.

Require employees to use strong passwords that are unique to their mobile devices. Passwords should be changed on a frequent basis. Employees should be discouraged from visiting non-work sites with their work devices, as well as adding non-work related apps. Downloading apps can introduce malware. Devices should be backed up regularly in case of loss or theft. Discourage employees from storing sensitive information on mobile devices.

Employees should be given a clear, easy-to-follow protocol in the event of a lost or stolen mobile device. Any lost or stolen device should be wiped clean of data immediately. Of course, your ability to do so will require that a mobile device security package had been put in place. Speak with your technology provider for a solution.

BYOD – With an increasing number of companies encouraging employees to bring their own devices to work, mobile device security is becoming an even greater challenge. Since corporate IT has less control in this instance, there is a greater need to communicate clear policies and expectations to employees prior to an event.

Cybersecurity Insurance – Even the most fastidious mobile device security plan cannot fully protect a firm from a mobile device security breach. Because a breach can compromise personal information, it can result in legal exposure, extensive discovery and burdensome financial liability. Cybersecurity insurance will help to transfer a company's risk in the case of a mobile device security breach.

The Mechanic Group is the leading MGA writer of private security, investigation, alarm and background screening insurance. Visit The Mechanic Group at www.mechanicgroup.com.

Please visit our CompleteMarkets storefront: Electronic Security Insurance