Our ever-changing world of technology has led to countless innovations and improvements in the business world, and has even created new kinds of industries. Although the Internet and mobile devices have forever changed how we shop, work, and communicate, they don't automatically make our businesses safer or more secure. In today's Aegis blog, we look at how mobile devices might be making our businesses and networks less secure, and how certain kinds of Commercial Insurance can help make our businesses more stable and secure.

Easier To Steal or Access

Mobile devices have become a major part of the business world, with employees relying on company smartphones, tablets, and laptops to perform work, send and receive emails, and collaborate on projects. However, the small size and high dollar value of these devices make them a prime target for thieves and other criminals, as they can quickly be resold on the open market. In addition, not all mobile devices are set with password or fingerprint encryption, so they can easily be accessed if lost or stolen, making all the data on the device vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access.

Unsecure Wi-Fi Networks

As more and more employees travel for business, a great number of travelers rely on Wi-Fi networks to connect to the Internet and access networks or emails via secure logins. While some Wi-Fi networks are safe to use while traveling, using an unsecure Wi-Fi network could make your company's data and email servers vulnerable to hackers or thieves.  In this case, free doesn't always mean better.  If possible, consider using a secure Wi-Fi network you can log into or using your smartphone as a mobile hotspot for Internet access. 

Suspicious Email

Another way mobile devices could make your business less secure is if employees inadvertently open suspicious emails while using mobile devices. Employees should be trained to cautious of opening emails from unknown senders, and they should never open or run any attachment or application from an unknown or suspicious sender as it could contain malware or spyware that could hijack the device and infiltrate the company networks and servers.

Unreliable Third-Party Apps

Finally, as employees continue to use smartphones and tablets to perform work duties, they may be tempted to download apps for work or personal use that might not be legitimate or may contain malware or spyware inside. Employees should also be warned to never download third-party apps from unreliable sources as they could make the devices more susceptible to hackers or data thieves.

If your business and/or employees rely heavily on mobile devices for everyday use, it's essential that people be trained on how to safely use their devices while also keeping company networks and systems safe. In addition, businesses can get an added layer of protection from Commercial Insurance products designed to help businesses in the event of a data breach or cyber attack. Cyber Liability Insurance is one key way to have financial assistance to help recover from the financial and customer losses that can stem from a data breach. For more information on Cyber Liability Insurance, contact Aegis Insurance & Financial Services at 713-850-7622.