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Monthly Archives: August 2015

Mobile Device Cyber Security

Cell phone wallpapers3Because of their convenience, smartphones and tablet devices have become a universal presence in the modern business world. As usage soars, it becomes increasingly important to take steps to protect your company from mobile threats, both new and old.

The need for proper phone security is no different from the need for a well-protected computer network. According to the computer security software company McAfee, cyber attacks on mobile devices increased by almost 600 per cent from 2011 to 2012—and experts expect that number to continue to increase.

Gone are the days when the most sensitive information on an employee’s phone was contact names and phone numbers. Now a smartphone or tablet can be used to gain access to anything from emails to stored passwords to proprietary company data. Depending on how your organization uses such devices, unauthorized access to the information on a smartphone or tablet could be just as damaging as a data breach involving a traditional computer system.

Lost or Stolen Devices

Because of their size and the nature of their use, mobile devices are particularly susceptible to being lost or stolen. According to a 2012 study by the Ponemon Institute, nearly 40 per cent of organizations experienced a data breach as a result of a lost or stolen mobile device. Since most devices automatically store passwords in their memory to keep users logged in to email and other applications, gaining physical possession of the device is one of the easiest ways for unauthorized users to access private information.

To prevent someone from accessing information on a lost or stolen device, the phone or tablet should be locked with a password or PIN. The password should be time sensitive, automatically locking the phone out after a short period of inactivity. Most devices come with such security features built in. Depending on your mobile provider, there are also services that allow you to remotely erase or lock down a device if it is lost or stolen. Similarly, it is possible to program a mobile device to erase all of its stored data after a certain number of login failures.

Malicious Attacks

Mobile devices are just as susceptible to malware and viruses as computers, yet many businesses don’t consider instituting the same type of safeguards. Less than 20 per cent of mobile devices have anti-virus software installed, which is practically an invitation to thieves or hackers to pillage whatever information they want from an unprotected device. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter what operating system the devices have, whether it be Android, Apple’s iOS, Blackberry or Windows Mobile—all are vulnerable to attacks.

As reliance on these devices continues to grow, so will their attractiveness as potential targets. Third-party applications (apps) are especially threatening as a way for malware to install itself onto a device. These apps can purchase and install additional apps onto the phone without the user’s permission. Employees should never install unauthorized apps to their company devices. Apps should only be installed directly from trusted sources.

Hackers can use “ransomware” to restrict a user’s access to their device’s data, contacts, etc., and then demand a ransom to get it back. Even if the user pays the ransom, there is no guarantee that he or she will get the data back. Employees should know to never pay the ransom if this type of software finds its way onto a company device.

A big difference between mobile devices and laptops and other computers is the ability to accept open Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals without the user knowing. Hackers can take advantage of this by luring devices to accept connections to a nearby malicious device. Once the device is connected, the hacker can steal information at will. To prevent this, make sure all mobile devices are set to reject open connections without user permission.

Preventive Measures

While the current mobile device security landscape may seem lacking, there are plenty of ways to be proactive about keeping company devices safe from threats.

Establish a Mobile Device Policy

  • Before issuing mobile phones or tablets to your employees, establish a device usage policy. Provide clear rules about what constitutes acceptable use as well as what actions will be taken if employees violate the policy. It is important that employees understand the security risks inherent to mobile device use and how they can mitigate those risks. Well informed, responsible users are your first line of defence against cyber attacks.

Establish a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

If you allow employees to use their personal devices for company business, make sure you have a formal BYOD policy in place. Your BYOD security plan should also include the following:

  • Installing remote wiping software on any personal device used to store or access company data.
  • Educating and training employees on how to safeguard company data when they access it from their own devices.
  • Informing employees about the exact protocol they must follow if their device is lost or stolen.

Keep the devices updated with the most current software and anti-virus programs.

Software updates to mobile devices often include patches for various security holes, so it’s best practice to install the updates as soon as they’re available.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to anti-virus software for mobile devices, so it comes down to preference. Some are free to use, while others charge a monthly or annual fee and often come with better support. In addition to anti-virus support, many of these programs will monitor SMS, MMS and call logs for suspicious activity and use blacklists to prevent users from installing known malware to the device.

 

Back up device content regularly.

Just like your computer data should be backed up regularly, so should the data on your company’s mobile devices. If a device is lost or stolen, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your valuable data is safe.

Choose passwords carefully.

The average Internet user has about 25 accounts to maintain and an average of six-and-a-half different passwords to protect them, according to a recent Microsoft study. This lack of security awareness is what hackers count on to steal data. Use the following tips to ensure your mobile device passwords are easy to remember and hard to guess:

  • Require employees to change the device’s login password every 90 days.
  • Passwords should be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters and special characters, such as asterisks, ampersands and pound signs.
  • Don’t use names of spouses, children or pets in the password. A hacker can spend just a couple minutes on a social media site to figure out this information.

 

© Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 


The Risks of Vacant Property

Vacant Building -iStock_000008001828Large25Theft, trespassing, fires and other losses are constant threats on vacant construction sites. Losses might include not only the value of damaged or stolen materials but also the liability from an individual being injured on the property and the loss of time if a crucial piece of equipment is damaged or stolen. The insurance risks and liabilities associated with vacant construction sites can be extensive. To ensure that you are adequately protected, it is important to know the risks you face. In addition to purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage, there are numerous preventive strategies you can adopt to maintain vacant properties in a way that reduces risk and liability.

Potential Risks

Like any vacant structure, vacant construction sites are first and foremost obvious targets for theft, trespassing and vandalism. Keep in mind that contractors can be held liable for injuries sustained by children who trespass or play on vacant construction sites. Moreover, vacant construction sites are susceptible to fire. Firefighters on construction sites are twice as likely to be struck by debris or objects than firefighters in home fires are.

Other Ways to Mitigate Risk

In addition to extending coverage, there are some simple steps that contractors can take to limit their risk and liability.

  • Prevent vandalism – Keeping construction sites properly lit and posting sufficient signage can help keep thieves and vandals out.
  • Limit liability – Make sure property is free of significant hazards that could cause injuries to anyone on the property—this could include police officers, maintenance workers, firefighters or even trespassers. Walls, equipment, ditches and other physical features could be classified as attractive nuisances should they cause the injury of anyone on the property.
  • Avoid damage – Remove all access material and combustibles from in and around the site. Inspect the site regularly for potential fire hazards and remediate them as soon as possible.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Many times your contract with the property owner will require you to purchase builder’s risk insurance, which protects the property and any insurable materials you may have on-site against fire, vandals, lightning, wind and other similar forces while it is under construction.

Because of the increased risks and liability associated with a vacant site, these types of insurance tend to be costly. It is important, though, to look beyond the price and consider the suitability and comprehensiveness of the coverage being purchased.

 

 

© Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.


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