Verizon Examines Mobile Defences amid Growing Business Use
With the proliferation of all manner of flexible work arrangements, Telecoms giant Verizon has taken a look into the issue of the modern connectivity and how it is secured, particularly on mobiles, in a pursuit to enhancing mobile security.
By issuing its insightful Mobile Security Index (MSI), the corporation aims to equip professionals with the necessary tools to bolster their defences against potential cyber exploits. This initiative stems from an extensive survey of 600 individuals in the realm of security strategy, policy, and management, featuring collaboration with mobile security titans such as Akamai, Allot, CISCO, and Fortinet, amongst others.
A balancing act: confidence vs. caution in mobile security
In a world reshaped by the pandemic, the embrace of remote work has become the norm, with employers acknowledging the value of working from anywhere—be it from home, airports, hotels, or cafes. This shift has garnered immense support, with 92% of respondents advocating for flexible work arrangements, inherently integrating personal mobile devices into the fabric of business operations. A staggering 80% recognise these devices as pivotal to their organisational efficacy, with 46% deeming them indispensable tools.
This increased reliance, however, has not gone unnoticed by cybercriminals, who see the burgeoning use of mobile devices on corporate networks as an opportunity to access sensitive data. As organisations continue to adapt, the calls for strategic enhancements in mobile security grow louder, marking it as an indispensable facet of modern business infrastructure.
Notably, confidence in existing mobile security measures is high among surveyed professionals, with a remarkable 96% expressing at least some level of trust in their protective strategies. Yet, this confidence is tempered by reality, as over half have faced security incidents leading to data loss or system downtime.
Despite this confidence, concerns over complacency among end-users regarding data security and the ever-present threat of credential theft linger, with 89% of survey participants advocating for a more serious approach to mobile device security.
Additionally, 85% have observed a rise—or significant rise—in mobile-related security risks over the past year, further underscoring the need for vigilance.
- 50% said mobile devices have greater access to sensitive information than a year ago
- 86% agreed that increased remote working has moved mobile security up their agenda
- 86% agreed that flexibility in where people work and what devices they use is key for attracting top talent.
Verizon’s Clarion call for enhanced mobile and IoT security
Through its MSI findings, Verizon sends a clear message: the expansion of mobile computing and IoT connectivity invariably broadens the horizon for cybercriminal exploits. This underscores the necessity for robust mobile security processes and investments.
As Kyle Malady, CEO of Verizon Business, cautions, "Disruptions caused by cyber attacks are increasing significantly as they become more sophisticated, frequent and costly." He emphasises the importance of staying abreast with the evolving threat landscape to safeguard essential data and systems.
In the face of escalating threats, both public and private sectors must collaborate to shield the advancements in mobile and IoT connectivity from potential exploitation.
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