Computer gaming and location-based mobile games have captured global attention and reshaped how users interact with technology in their daily lives. Even for those who haven’t joined in, the popularity of these apps may still spark curiosity. As a business, you might wonder how much time employees spend on such games during the workday. More importantly, are these apps being downloaded on devices that access your network, and what are the data security implications? These questions highlight the broader concern of whether any app downloaded on a work-connected mobile device is truly safe. We’re glad you asked.
Here, we explore how you can protect your business from rogue applications:
What is the State of Mobile Device Security
The use of mobile devices is on a steep incline. Some 7 billion people use mobile devices, and it’s important to think about the security of these devices as business tools. Employers are issuing company devices and also embracing bring your own device (BYOD) policies. Companies should be setting mobile standards to minimize the threat of a security breach. Unfortunately, research suggests that both mobile devices are targets of cyberattacks and many companies are being too lax around mobile device security.
While it is advised to secure the device itself, it’s also important to understand how apps may undermine security. A report by Secure Now reveals that 24.7% of mobile apps include at least one high-risk security flaw, business apps are three times more likely to leak login credentials than the average app, and games are 150% more likely to include a high-risk vulnerability than other apps.
How Can Apps Compromise Security?
There are a number of ways that apps may pose a security risk, including:
Apps don’t always adequately secure or encrypt the information they send and receive.
Without strong encryption, sensitive data like login credentials, messages, or location information can be intercepted by hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks.
Some apps contain malware that can infect your device.
Malicious apps, often disguised as legitimate tools or games, can install spyware, ransomware, or other harmful software that compromises your data and system integrity.
Apps may be accessing personal or confidential information on your device as part of the permissions you granted when you downloaded it.
Many apps request access to contacts, photos, messages, microphone, or location—permissions that may seem harmless but can be exploited if the app is not trustworthy.
The information apps collect may be “overshared.”
Some apps gather more data than necessary and may sell or share it with third parties, including advertisers or data brokers, creating privacy risks and potential regulatory concerns.
Mobile App Security Tips
1. Install Updates: Mobile users need to apply operating system updates. App updates should also be installed. Manufacturers of software and apps learn about the vulnerabilities and bugs in their products and provide updates to fix these errors, so it’s important to keep on top of these opportunities to protect your device.
2. Check Permissions: Before downloading an app, check what permissions it requires. It makes sense that a navigational app wants to access your device location. Other permissions may be questionable and unnecessary for the app to perform its advertised function. Be wary.
3. Shop in App Stores: Apple’s App Store and Google Play monitor what is sold at their stores and try to weed out bad apps that contain malware. There’s no guarantee that they’ll purge every bad app, but there is active monitoring to try to protect buyers.
4. Do Your Homework: Before you purchase an app, take the time to look at the reviews, check security scores and research the manufacturer. If things look sketchy, take a pass.
5. Use Apps Safely: If you’re sharing sensitive information using an app, make sure you are on a secure network, not public Wi-Fi.
6. Add Protections: A variety of mobile security software is available to not only scan for malware in apps, but also to identify apps that require excess permissions, alert users to potentially unsafe Wi-Fi connections, and provide anti-theft tools such as remote location and wiping capabilities.
Keep Your Business Data Secure With Focus Data Solutions
As a business, educating employees and implementing data security policies to keep your company safe, whether on a desktop, laptop or mobile device, can save you lots of trouble down the road. Focus Data Solutions can help you build a cyber resilient workplace with tailored security strategies, employee training, and ongoing support. Contact us today to strengthen your defenses and protect what matters most.