How can small businesses protect against EMM security threats?

Enterprise mobility management (EMM) is a set of tools and policies that enable small businesses to securely manage and control the mobile devices, applications, and data used by their employees. EMM can improve productivity, flexibility, and customer service, but it also poses significant security challenges and risks. In this article, you will learn how to protect your small business from some of the most common EMM security threats and how to implement best practices for EMM security.

1 Device loss or theft

One of the most obvious and frequent EMM security threats is the loss or theft of mobile devices that contain sensitive business data or access credentials. This can expose your small business to data breaches, identity theft, fraud, or legal liability. To prevent this, you should enforce strong device encryption, password protection, remote wipe, and device tracking capabilities on all your EMM devices. You should also educate your employees on how to report and recover lost or stolen devices and how to avoid leaving them unattended or in insecure locations.

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Nitin Sharma

Cyber Security Architect | Security Enthusiast & Advisor| Mentor| International Customer Success(iCSU) Microsoft, EMEA
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Should invest in robust EMM solutions tailored to the needs, which offer features such as device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and secure app management. Regularly updating devices and applications with the latest security patches and software versions is essential to address vulnerabilities. Additionally, enforcing strong password policies and implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access. Training employees on security best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and using secure Wi-Fi networks, can help mitigate risks posed by social engineering and phishing attacks.

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Ravindra Annam

Cybersecurity Professional specializing in Product Security, AppSec, SAST, DAST, SCA, Threat Modelling, SSDLC, API Security | Container Security, DevSecOps, & Pen testing | Helping customers strengthen their defenses |
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Small businesses can safeguard against Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) security threats by implementing a multi-layered approach. This includes adopting robust encryption for all data transmissions, enforcing strong password policies and two-factor authentication for device access, regularly updating software and applications to patch vulnerabilities, conducting employee training on security best practices, and employing remote wipe capabilities for lost or stolen devices to ensure sensitive data remains protected. Additionally, leveraging reputable EMM solutions tailored to small business needs can provide centralized control and monitoring, further enhancing security posture.

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Bruno Barbalho

Manager, IT Security & Compliance
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As pequenas empresas podem adotar várias medidas para proteger sua infraestrutura de EMM contra ameaças à segurança. Aqui estão algumas sugestões: Implementar políticas de segurança claras e abrangentes para dispositivos móveis, incluindo requisitos de senha forte, criptografia de dados e restrições de acesso baseadas em função. Utilizar soluções de segurança móvel, como antivírus e firewalls, projetadas especificamente para proteger dispositivos móveis contra malware e ataques cibernéticos.

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Nkurunziza Gad

Cybersecurity Researcher
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Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions is one of the best measures for small businesses to protect against EMM security threats. MDM enables businesses to enforce security policies on mobile devices, such as remote device wipe, passcode enforcement, and device encryption, thereby safeguarding sensitive data in case of loss or theft.

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2 Malware and phishing

Another common EMM security threat is the infection of mobile devices by malware or phishing attacks that can compromise your business data, network, or systems. Malware can be delivered through malicious apps, attachments, links, or downloads, while phishing can trick your employees into revealing their credentials or personal information. To protect your small business from these threats, you should install and update reputable antivirus and anti-phishing software on all your EMM devices. You should also restrict the installation of unauthorized apps, block suspicious websites and emails, and train your employees on how to spot and avoid malware and phishing.

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Douglas Morais
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Outras medidas incluem implementar políticas de segurança que abordem o uso seguro de dispositivos móveis, como a exigência de senhas fortes e a configuração de bloqueios automáticos de tela. Também é recomendável configurar firewalls e sistemas de detecção de intrusões em sua rede para monitorar e bloquear atividades suspeitas. A educação contínua dos funcionários sobre as últimas ameaças e técnicas de segurança também é fundamental para garantir a proteção dos dispositivos móveis da empresa.

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Bruno Barbalho

Manager, IT Security & Compliance
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Manter todos os dispositivos móveis e aplicativos atualizados com as versões mais recentes de software e patches de segurança para mitigar vulnerabilidades conhecidas. Implementar autenticação multifatorial para garantir que apenas usuários autorizados possam acessar os recursos corporativos por meio de dispositivos móveis. Realizar treinamentos regulares de conscientização sobre segurança para funcionários, destacando práticas seguras de uso de dispositivos móveis e os riscos associados a aplicativos não autorizados ou fontes não confiáveis.

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3 Unauthorized access or use

A third EMM security threat is the unauthorized access or use of your business data or resources by external hackers or internal rogue employees. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your EMM devices, applications, or network to gain access to your confidential information or disrupt your operations. Rogue employees can abuse their privileges or credentials to access or leak your business data or sabotage your systems. To prevent this, you should implement strong authentication, authorization, and auditing mechanisms on all your EMM devices. You should also limit the access and permissions of your employees based on their roles and responsibilities and monitor their activities and behavior.

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Zubin Thakkar

Top Information Security Voice💡| Techpreneur | Passionate about IT & Cyber Security | EO Gujarat Finalist | RRU'25 | IIITB’23 | GTU’21
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Protecting your EMM system from unauthorized access & use requires a multi-layered approach Strengthen the Privileges- Implement privilege & MFA, Monitor administrator activity, Regularly review & revoke inactive accounts Secure Your Devices- Enforce strong device passwords/PINs, Remote wipe capability & Configure device security settings Harden Your EMM Platform- Keep software updated, Utilize strong encryption algorithms, Segment data access Address Insider Threats- Implement DLP, Enable audit trails, Conduct security awareness training, Develop clear policies & procedures Stay Vigilant & Adapt- Conduct regular security assessments, Stay informed about emerging threats, Utilize threat intelligence & Conduct penetration testing

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4 Data leakage or loss

A fourth EMM security threat is the leakage or loss of your business data due to accidental or intentional actions by your employees or third parties. Data leakage can occur when your employees use unsecured Wi-Fi networks, cloud services, or personal devices to access or share your business data. Data loss can occur when your employees delete, overwrite, or corrupt your business data due to human error, device failure, or malicious intent. To avoid this, you should encrypt and backup your business data regularly and use secure VPNs, firewalls, and encryption keys to protect your data in transit and at rest. You should also implement data loss prevention (DLP) policies and tools to prevent your employees from copying, transferring, or deleting your data without authorization.

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Zubin Thakkar

Top Information Security Voice💡| Techpreneur | Passionate about IT & Cyber Security | EO Gujarat Finalist | RRU'25 | IIITB’23 | GTU’21
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Mobile Device Security: Encrypt data at rest and in transit Use VPNs on public Wi-Fi, HTTPS for data transfer Implement device screen locks, lost device tracking, app restrictions Prevent Accidental Leaks: Use DLP to monitor & restrict data transfer Train employees on secure data practices Restrict personal device usage for work Mitigate Insider Threats: Conduct background checks for sensitive data access Monitor user activity for suspicious behavior Grant privilege access based on roles Develop clear data handling policies Additional Defenses: Regularly back up data to a secure offsite location Use firewalls & intrusion detection/prevention systems Stay informed about mobile threats & vulnerabilities Conduct regular security assessments

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5 Compliance violations

A fifth EMM security threat is the violation of the regulatory or industry standards that govern the privacy, security, and integrity of your business data and processes. Compliance violations can result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, or reputational damage for your small business. To ensure compliance, you should understand and follow the relevant laws and regulations that apply to your business sector, location, and customers. You should also use EMM solutions that comply with the standards and frameworks that are relevant to your business, such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001.

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6 EMM security best practices

To protect your small business from EMM security threats, it is essential to choose a reliable and reputable EMM solution that meets your business needs and security requirements. Additionally, you should update and patch EMM devices, applications, and software regularly to fix any vulnerabilities or bugs. Educating and training employees on the importance and benefits of EMM security as well as the policies and procedures they need to follow is also important. Finally, you should review and audit your EMM security performance and compliance regularly to make any necessary adjustments or improvements. Following these best practices can help you leverage the advantages of EMM while minimizing the risks and challenges.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Teslimah S.

I secure company data with tailored strategies and API testing (#SecurityAnalyst). Also a #cybersecurityawarenesstrainer & #VirtualAssistant.
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Small businesses may also need to consider application whitelisting to restrict the installation of unauthorized applications on company devices. I would also personally consider employees training.

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Bruno Barbalho

Manager, IT Security & Compliance
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Ao seguir essas práticas de segurança, as pequenas empresas podem reduzir significativamente o risco de comprometimento da segurança do EMM e proteger seus dados confidenciais e recursos empresariais.

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How can small businesses protect against EMM security threats?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Device loss or theft

2 Malware and phishing

3 Unauthorized access or use

4 Data leakage or loss

5 Compliance violations

6 EMM security best practices

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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How can small businesses protect against EMM security threats?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Device loss or theft

2 Malware and phishing

3 Unauthorized access or use

4 Data leakage or loss

5 Compliance violations

6 EMM security best practices

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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