It seems like not a day goes by without another news story reporting on the latest cyberattack. IBM estimates the average cost for a data breach is $3.8 million, according to the 2018 Cost of Data Breach Study. It’s no wonder companies are plowing money into cybersecurity efforts. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts companies will spend $1 trillion cumulatively over the next five years. Cybersecurity is a big issue no matter your industry. Cyber thieves are as likely to target manufacturers or a transportation and logistics company as they are to hit a hospital or a bank. Here is an overview of the threats you face as well as highlights of the various safety features from Zebra Technologies’ Androids to combat those threats.

BYOD

Bring your own device to work is now a common occurrence in workplaces across the country. However, there are all kinds of pitfalls associated with this policy, and many of the issues tie into cybersecurity issues across the board. For example, if you are a transportation and logistics company, you may allow your employee to use their personal device to track locations, navigate routes, set up your pickups and deliveries, etc.This puts your company at risk because it opens the possibility of the device getting locked with ransomware or suffering a network failure. If the device contains critical information that can’t be removed, you’re out of luck. The same holds for manufacturers. Like other companies, you face the possibility of employees inadvertently allowing rogue access to devices. Devices are also susceptible to the spread of malicious malware, and with any device comes the risk of intellectual property theft concerns. For example, if your company allows BYOD, your employees have access to confidential or proprietary data, designs, and processes. Even if the employee has a scrupulous disposition, there’s always the possibility that the information can fall in the wrong hands.

Device Vulnerabilities

Mobile devices are not always updated as they should be. Without updates, your devices have vulnerabilities because the security patches are not up-to-date.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Your business has benefited from the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things. These types of machines run on seamlessly connected industrial networks.But that opens you up to all types of vulnerabilities: Hackers can gain control of a network and use a denial-of-service attack which can change your operational technology.

Zebra’s BYOD Solution

If you have BYOD policies, it’s a wise investment to have an Enterprise Mobility Management solution to maintain control. Zebra’s BYOD solution is MobiControl, which they offer in partnership with SOTI. MobiControl allows organizations to manage, support, secure, and track both business and employee mobile devices.

Android’s Robust Security Features

Android has come a long way from when people thought it wasn’t safe for enterprise use. On Zebra Android devices, all business data is private by default. There is full disk encryption, enforced security between apps, and a virtual private network with options. Your IT team controls app security, including which apps are installed and who uses them. There are device security features, including a hardware root of trust. Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx) come pre-installed in every mobile handheld device. The Mx technology provides additional security to any areas where the Android OS is vulnerable. The Mx feature locks users into one business application, enhancing productivity and prohibiting access to other business or personal apps. You also get lock device features for accessories like USB, Bluetooth, or NFC, which can pose security risks.

For files, you get government-grade encryption. You select the files you want encrypted and have centrally-managed encryption keys for protection. Finally, Zebra provides patch updates, so you don’t have to worry about security breaches. Mobile security is serious business. Don’t take it lightly. The team at Informs can help you spot your vulnerabilities and help you find the Zebra products that will protect your company.

Contact us at 616-399-7010 or email us at [email protected] to get started.