Securing the Mobile IoT Workforce: Why Enterprise Mobile Security Is Critical Infrastructure

While many devices still account for traditional IoT endpoints, the growing hybrid and remote workforce has acquired a considerable and undeniable enterprise share. In layman’s terms, IoT (the Internet of Things) describes virtually anything connected to or embedded with network and/or internet connectivity.

Historically, these were devices such as printers, computers, fax machines, and other office equipment. Since the advent of mobile technology, however, that list of devices has grown to include everything from phones and watches to cameras, sensors, and more.

As the results below from one infographic report on mobile security highlight, the need for a reliable and trustworthy, layered security architecture for mobile endpoints has never been greater.

• 52% have experienced a mobile cyberattack that turned off their systems.
• 72% of energy respondents polled report being targeted by cybercriminals for their critical infrastructure role. Mobile field worker protection is vital in these environments.
• 62% remove mobile access privileges for AI software that tracks locations and user behaviors

The Role of Mobile Workforce Security

The need for mobile threat defense and mobile device security for end-to-end enterprise protection today is no secret. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “35.5 million people teleworked or worked at home for pay, up by 5.1 million over the year.”

What many people aren’t aware of, however, is just how much the threat landscape for the enterprise mobile IoT workforce has changed.

With the rise in mobile attacks, new AI-powered threats, and greater network access, essentially everyone is vulnerable. Phones, connected watches and peripherals, laptops, and virtually every type of connected mobile device are potentially at risk.

These changes, threats, and the growing presence of mobile devices as IoT endpoints in enterprise ecosystems also drive greater demand for better, smarter, and more reliable mobile security solutions.

Common Concerns in the Modern Threat Landscape for the Mobile Workforce

Some of the most common threats in mobile workforce environments today include:

• Public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities
• BYOD security gaps
• Mobile malware evolution

BYOD Security Gaps

Growing adoption of mobile devices and the expansion of the mobile workforce are driving more employees and companies to adopt Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. That means more personal laptops, mobile phones, and other personal devices accessing enterprise systems.

A story from Identitytheft.org reported $53 million in losses from phishing, one of the most basic and common security scams.

As more BYOD options are made available to employees, contractors, and other affiliates, so does the need for smarter and effective BYOD security solutions. Some of the most common risks inherent to BYOD environments and challenges to device security include:

• Data loss and leakss
• Compliance challenges/enforcement
• Increased malware risks
• Network security
• Insecure personal devices

Public Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities

It is evident in every coffee shop and every metropolis that the mobile workforce is thriving. Unfortunately, so are the opportunities for many viable mobile threats.

Unlike company intranet infrastructures or most enterprise networks, public Wi-Fi is considerably more susceptible to risks. That, of course, is a result of the absence of industry, governmental, and technical safeguards and standards typically found in corporate and enterprise systems.

The Evolution of Mobile Malware

There was a time when malware was more of a nuisance, albeit a sometimes costly one, than it was a legitimate threat. Today, however, having a mobile threat defense and proven mobile workforce security is a necessity to protect people and companies from many types of serious malware.

With a growing mobile workforce, considerations such as endpoint security and field worker protection, among others, are no longer secondary concerns. In fact, mobile malware today has evolved, as the types of malware threats below show.

• AI integration malware
• Spyware
• Banking industry trojans
• Botnets/DDoS (distributed denial-of-service)
• Cryptojacking malware

Fortunately, proven and established security measures can help mitigate these unwanted and dangerous mobile threats.

IoT Endpoints in Enterprise Ecosystems: Protecting Mobile Devices

The value, flexibility, and often even the necessity of mobile devices is unquestioned. The real question is: how do we protect enterprise ecosystems as the number of mobile endpoints grows?

Layered Security Architecture for Mobile IoT

Addressing the intersection of mobile workforce security and IoT device management can be effectively handled by employing a layered security architecture approach. Much like a reverse-engineering methodology, this solution enables effective and smart protection from the inside out.

This type of mobile threat defense schematic does more than provide endpoint security, but also protects the enterprise ecosystem and infrastructure through processes such as:

• A stringent vetting system throughout the supply chain of parts, products, and supplies.
• By adhering to the highest security standards, such as OSWAP and others.
• In strategic employment of mobile security apps and protocols.

Providing Mobile Workforce Security and Protecting Enterprise Mobile IoT

Companies and organizations that lead the way in mobile and enterprise security solutions understand the importance of implementing protective measures and protocols across the board.

That includes every aspect of the infrastructure and proven security practices for the following:

• Hardware-level protection
• Platform security
• Application-level controls
• Network security integration

Implementing Security for Enterprise Mobile IoT

Strong, reliable endpoint security and effective mobile workforce security require more than protecting mobile devices. The effectiveness of enterprise mobile security also relies on the smart implementation of mobile threat defenses.

Hardware-Level Protection

At the core of the enterprise mobile IoT is the ability to maintain hardware-level protection. Secure boot and cryptographic modules are examples of the highest levels of hardware protection protocols today.

Platform Security: Protecting the Playing Field

The platform is essentially where business happens. It is where connections are made, deals get done, and where business in IoT moves, lives, and breathes. That is also one major reason why platform security is so vital. It protects the playing field for everyone.

Providing that level of mobile protection requires a security platform that is also focused on mobile device security. From providing a clean OS experience to minimizing security risks and reducing bloatware, platform security today must be flexible, effective, and mobile.

Fortunately, there are also established requirements and standards that help define the who’s who in platform security. These include security requirements such as:

• FIPS140-2 - The US Government’s globally recognized security certification.
• IoTx - The global standard and bar for transparency and security in IoT.

Another recognized program that provides a bonus for any platform security system is Android Enterprise Recommended (AER). Among the many benefits the AER program provides, these are a few of the most invaluable:

• Multi-layered security
• Remote management of devices
• Regular updates for data safety
• Backed by Google's continuous investment

A more secure enterprise mobile IoT workforce is also conducive to and supportive of empowering users. This not only creates a more diverse and powerful end-user, but can also be developed and supported to become a valuable endpoint, as well.

If there is truth in the adage that an employee is every company’s best asset, then this is a potential golden age of IoT enterprises.

Application-Level Controls

It does no good to lock the front door if you leave a window open, and that is where application-level controls take center stage. A few advantages and hallmarks of trustworthy and smart application-level controls are:

• Security access/control management
• Supports breach mitigation
• Prevention of fraudulent action

Additionally, on a user-specific level, supporting and securing the mobile IoT workforce, mobile devices demand additional layers of security, including:

• Protecting/securing sensitive information
• Public Wi-Fi network protection
• App management controls
• Screen and access security

From connecting at the local cafe with peace of mind to ensuring the security of sensitive information, enterprise and mobile workforce security makes a difference on many levels.

The new Moto Secure App gives even more peace of mind through:

• Lock screen security
• PIN pad scramble
• Privacy dashboard

Of course, none of this is even possible without the smart use of network security integration measures. Yes, even those in the mobile IoT workforce have a place they call home.

Network Security Integration: The Missing Piece

Network security can be the key to a successful network or a primary cause for the lack of enterprise mobile success, because without end-to-end security solutions, the unprecedented number of attacks on mobile devices over the past several years is well-documented.

And it is another reminder of just why and how the right mobile security for your enterprise is critical infrastructure.

The good news is the mobile IoT workforce is winning, but the battle isn’t over yet. Gartner says, regarding AI and cybersecurity, “This year, prioritize cybersecurity projects that reduce organizational risk and increase resilience ─ and can be completed in 12 months.”

That is also good advice, padded with just so much caution, because AI is a great tool, but it may still be too early to know exactly what its role will be in helping to secure the mobile IoT workforce today and tomorrow.

What we do know is this: without enterprise mobile security solutions being up to the task of protecting endpoints, networks, or operations, there won’t be a need to ask why enterprise mobile security is critical infrastructure.

How Valuable Is Mobile Workforce Security?

There is no definitive measurement or set standard for measuring ROI for enterprise mobile security solutions yet. However, we can be certain that the cost of recovering from a major breach or data loss isn’t worth the risk of finding out.