(713) 682-4000 sales@westecservices.net

5 Smartphone Security Risks and How to Prevent Them

Regularly evaluate your cybersecurity

Posts Tagged ‘risks’

5 Smartphone Security Risks and How To Prevent Them - WesTec Services

5 Smartphone Security Risks and How to Prevent Them

Phone technology is constantly evolving. Although new tech toys are fun and functional, there are always underlying dangers. Here are 5 smartphone security risks and how to prevent them. 

Smartphone Security Risks - WesTec

Risks:  

Unintentional Disclosure of Data

Malicious disclosure of sensitive or private information.

Phishing Attacks

Scams made by actors pretending to be a trusted source or individual. 

Spyware Attacks

Type of malicious malware or software downloaded without the consent or knowledge of a victim. 

Diallware Attacks

Stealing money from a designated user through malware that uses hidden message service or numbers. 

Network Congestion

Network is overloaded with links and malware, causing lots of traffic. 

Preventions: 

Encrypt Mobile Devices

Encrypting is the process of converting information into secret codes which prohibits unknown users from accessing. 

Update All Apps and Operating Systems

Updating apps and operation systems with frequency lowers the chances of your information being compromised – sometimes through improved bug fixes. 

Set Strong Passwords

Strong passwords often include: 

  • A minimum of 8 characters
  • At least one capitalized letter
  • The use of special characters such as, @!#
  • At least one numeric character

Consider Deactivating Smartphone Functionalities Such as Siri, Cortana, and Others

Smartphone functions such as Siri and Cortana save all data for future use. Make sure that if these functions are being utilized, no private information is shared — or do not use them at all. 

Don’t Ignore Error Messages About The Validity of Certificates

A variety of websites do a proper job of calling out accounts or messages that are unsafe. Always read any error messages for certificates or accounts. 

Remember: There are thousands of other smartphone security risks, but if you take the proper precautions the chances of any data leakage are slim. 

Have any more concerns about smartphone technology? WesTec Services can help! Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Regularly evaluate your cybersecurity

Regularly evaluate your cybersecurity

July 5th, 2018
Regularly evaluate your cybersecurity

Experts estimate that the global market for cybersecurity products this year will exceed that of last year. At first glance, an increase in spending seems necessary and shows that businesses are becoming more aware of cybersecurity issues. But a closer look may prove otherwise. Learn why your company could be investing on cybersecurity products the wrong way.

Uncover threats and vulnerabilities

Every business should evaluate the current state of its cybersecurity by running a risk assessment. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to identify, correct, and prevent security threats. After discovering potential issues, you should rate them based on probability of occurrence and potential impacts to your business.

Keep in mind that risk assessments are specific to every business and there is no one-size-fits-all approach for small business technology. It all depends on your line of business and operating environment. For instance, manufacturing companies and insurance groups have totally different applications to secure.

After tagging and ranking potential threats, you should identify which vulnerabilities need immediate attention and which ones can be addressed further down the line. For example, a web server running an unpatched operating system is probably a higher priority than a front desk computer that’s running a little slower than normal.

Tailor controls to risks

Instead of spending time and money evenly on all systems, it’s best that you focus on areas with high risk. You should address these issues immediately after an assessment, but also put plans in place to evaluate their risk profiles more often.

Assess existing products

Chances are, your organization has already spent a great deal of money on security products and their maintenance and support. By conducting risk assessments more often, you can improve the strategies you already have in place and uncover wasteful spending. You may discover that one outdated system merely needs to be upgraded and another needs to be ditched. Remember, your existing products were purchased to meet specific needs that may have changed immensely or disappeared altogether.

It’s much harder to overcome cybersecurity obstacles if you’re not regularly evaluating your IT infrastructure. Contact our experts for help conducting a comprehensive assessment today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.

Get in touch

2916 West TC Jester Blvd., Suite 104

Houston, TX 77018


(713) 682-4000

sales@westecservices.net

Quick Feedback