Malicious apps are everywhere. They can be found on both Android and iPhones and in all the app stores. There are some things you can do as an employer to make sure that your company owned devices are staying safe and your data is secure.
Educate Your Employees
Many employees don’t know that there are malicious apps in every app store. People think because an app is found in a reputable source that it has to be legit. Truth is there are millions of these apps. Although it appears to be an issue with Android devices, there have been some that have snuck their way into the Apple store as well. Computer scientists in California created a “test app” that they nicknamed “Jekyll”. This app was seemingly harmless on the outside and even passed the reviewers for the Apple app store. When the app was inside the app store, the developers were able to update the app to contain malware. That malware could send emails, take photos, steal information stored on the phone, and do so much more. You can see why it’s important to let your employees know about the dangers out there. Since your business information may be stored in their phone, not to mention the threat of malicious emails and texts being sent to your customers. It’s important that you educate and then monitor to make sure that your employees aren’t downloading these malicious apps.
Monitor What Your Employees are Downloading on Their Phones
By having remote monitoring software that you can check in on your employees, you can make sure that they aren’t downloading any malicious apps on their phones as well as making sure that they aren’t wasting time. Pairing the remote monitoring software with antivirus software can prevent problems in the future. Many employers are hesitant to do this but what they don’t realize is their company is at stake. A data breach is a data breach whether it’s intentional or not. Your company can be liable if customer’s personal information is obtained during one of these attacks. If you are a medical company where you are governed by HIPPA – you can also face steep fines and penalties.
Have an In-House App Store
A solution to employees downloading random apps that may or may not be malicous would be to provide them with safe apps that they can download. Either it could be an app that would allow them access to work stored on a cloud or it could be an app store filled only with safe prescreened apps that your employees could download. An In-House app store is a great way to control the apps that are downloaded without restricting all apps. You can add safe apps that employees can use to complement their work. Restricting all other downloads can keep your devices safe and keep your employees on task. It’s not only malicious apps that you will avoid, you will also be limiting apps that waste employees time like social media or games like Candy Crush.
What steps are you taking to keep malicious apps from ruining your business? You may want to try a remote monitoring app for employers to keep your employees honest and keep your data safe. With a small investment, you may save your business big money in lawsuits or data breach fines.
Jamie Klingle is a human resource manager for a wireless service provider. When not working or chasing her 2 year old around, she writes for Sniper Spy, a remote monitoring app for employers.