Apps play a vital role in the functionality of modern technology, enhancing the usefulness of smartphones and other mobile devices. However, before using an app, it is crucial to consider potential risks, especially when it comes to business purposes.
In this week’s blog, we delve into the topic of using apps for business and the potential threats they pose to your safety.
Apps in the Business Environment
The app market offers a wide range of options for almost any imaginable task. While many app makers are trustworthy, the ease of app creation has attracted less reputable individuals who may introduce vulnerabilities into their offerings. Securitymagazine.com highlights that “71% of healthcare and medical apps have at least one serious vulnerability that could lead to a breach of medical data,” and similar vulnerabilities exist in other general business apps.
Furthermore, some apps are specifically designed to gather personal data for malicious purposes. When downloading and installing an app, it often requests various permissions, such as access to your microphone or contacts. Some apps may even ask for excessive personal information, unbeknownst to users who unknowingly provide access to their data. This can lead to severe dangers, as spyware could already be installed on your device before you realize the app’s true nature.
Risks in Personal Apps
Even if you exclusively use trusted apps for business or refrain from using apps altogether, caution is necessary when downloading personal apps. Just like in the business context, malicious individuals may create apps to exploit the data on numerous mobile devices.
Think about how often you have downloaded an app based solely on someone’s recommendation, only to later feel uncomfortable with its functionality and delete it. Unfortunately, the damage is done once the app is successfully installed, and any business-related information stored on your device, such as emails and customer data, becomes accessible to the app developer.
Data Breaches
Another potential threat arises when using legitimate apps from reputable organizations that fall victim to hacking and data breaches. A prime example is the Walgreens app, which experienced a significant data breach last year. This breach allowed unauthorized access to private conversations containing personal information. Such breaches can occur even with high-security apps from prominent companies, highlighting the importance of closely examining security measures.
Hackers have targeted major apps like Instagram, Tinder, TikTok, and Snapchat recently. It is likely that many of these apps are installed on your personal or business devices. Even if they are used solely for personal purposes, they can still compromise the security of your business data. What may seem fun or harmless to you can have severe consequences for your customers’ privacy.
Creating an Effective Solution
Even if you have been fortunate enough to avoid app-related security pitfalls, there is a high probability that someone within your organization may unknowingly download an app that poses potential security risks in the future. While their intentions may be good, unexpected incidents can occur in the fast-paced modern world.
Implementing a comprehensive plan and establishing security policies among your employees can help mitigate these risks. Strengthen your security measures by prohibiting the download of random and potentially dangerous apps on company devices. It is crucial to have effective mobile device management, robust policies, and stringent security protocols in place.
If you want to ensure the utmost safety for your organization and protect against unforeseen risks, please contact us today. We will help you establish secure device configurations while enabling your employees to carry out their jobs effectively.
