Why mobile security audits are important in the enterprise

<p>Mobile devices in the enterprise are an increasingly large target for cyberattacks. Mobile security audits help IT identify device, app, network and user risks before those risks lead to data loss or unauthorized access.</p>
<p>With the growing amount of both corporate and personal data on smartphones and tablets, these devices are <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/34-Cybersecurity-Statistics-to-Lose-Sleep-Over-in-2020″>vulnerable to a range of mobile-specific threats</a>. Prominent cyberthreats include the following:</p>
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<li><b>Phishing and smishing attacks.</b> Attackers can spread malware or obtain sensitive information by sending <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/tip/How-to-incorporate-smishing-into-security-awareness-training”>malicious emails, text messages or links</a>.</li>
<li><b>Lost, stolen or unmanaged devices</b>. Devices that are missing, poorly managed or outside policy can expose confidential corporate data.</li>
<li><b>Unsecured Wi-Fi</b>. Public networks are often vulnerable to interception of data transmissions.</li>
<li><b>Outdated software</b>. Older OSes and applications might have unpatched vulnerabilities.</li>
<li><b>Risky or malicious apps.</b> Unapproved apps, excessive permissions or apps from untrusted sources can expose data or introduce malware.</li>
<li><b>Weak identity and access controls</b>. Weak passwords, missing <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/multifactor-authentication-MFA”>multifactor authentication</a> or poorly enforced access policies can increase the risk of account compromise.</li>
</ul>
<p>The potential outcomes of such threats can significantly affect organizations. Consequences include data loss, financial damage, reputational harm, regulatory exposure and legal liabilities. Mobile security audits help organizations verify that policies are working, data is protected and mobile endpoints do not become an easy path into enterprise systems.</p>
<section class=”section main-article-chapter” data-menu-title=”Understanding mobile security audits”>
<h2 class=”section-title”><i class=”icon” data-icon=”1″></i>Understanding mobile security audits</h2>
<p>A security audit thoroughly assesses an organization’s devices, apps, data management policies and networks. Its purpose is to detect vulnerabilities and ensure security, privacy and functionality. Traditional <a href=”https://www.techtarget.com/searchdisasterrecovery/tip/Six-ITGC-audit-controls-to-improve-business-continuity”>security audits encompass all aspects of IT infrastructure</a>. Mobile security audits, by contrast, focus specifically on mobile endpoints and the ways employees use them to access corporate resources.</p>
<p>A mobile security audit should cover technical controls, such as encryption, authentication, device configuration, app permissions, network access and remote wipe capabilities. It should also evaluate user behaviors, such as password management, app usage, use of public Wi-Fi, and compliance with bring-your-own-device policies.</p>
<p>Mobile-specific security audits address the unique risks associated with mobile devices. They assess portability, device ownership models, iOS and Android versions, managed and unmanaged apps, reliance on public networks, mobile device management controls and the separation of personal and corporate data. This specialized approach enables a more accurate evaluation of mobile security risks.</p>
<p>Mobile audits help support the following security components:</p>
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<li><strong>Risk assessmen</strong>t. Audits help identify weaknesses in a mobile environment so IT can prioritize mitigation efforts.</li>
<li><strong>Asset and configuration visibility</strong>. Audits help IT confirm which devices, OS versions, apps, settings and access rights are present in the mobile environment.</li>
<li><strong>Policy enforcement</strong>. Regular audits ensure that the organization’s mobile security policies are established and effective.</li>
<li><strong>Threat detection</strong>. Audits can reveal malware infections, unauthorized access attempts, risky apps, misconfigured devices and other suspicious activities.</li>
<li><strong>Incident response</strong>. A recent audit can provide valuable information for investigation and remediation in the event of a breach.</li>
<li><strong>Compliance</strong>. Many industries have regulations tha

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