Left unchecked, mobile technology can be a threat to business security. Employees in virtually every organisation, regardless of size, are increasing their use of smartphones as standard working practice. According to Forbes, 60 percent of workers in 2019 use a smartphone for work purposes while 31 percent desire one. Additionally, the popularity of BYOD (bring your own device) has steadily increased, ensuring cost savings for organisations, flexible working for staff and to bolster motivation and productivity.
Such demands often put IT departments in tough situations, leaving them scrambling to create and update mobile policies, as new devices and applications hit the market. As a result, there’s increasing concern around malware and other security issues. It is critically important that businesses realise they are potential targets for malicious acts. Mobility and the internet may have brought us closer together – but unfortunately it means we are also closer to hackers from all over the world.
Android Security
At the beginning of 2019, 72 percent of devices used in business run Google’s Android operating system. This number is expected to rise, with 60 percent of device buyers saying Android is being integrated into their organisations. Over the past decade, the core device-level security on smartphones and tablets has improved significantly. However, it is important that businesses recognise that not all Android mobile devices are equal. They should look closely at the management and security functionality being offered by the manufacturer. Simply put, some manufacturers are better at making sure Android’s built-in security features work correctly. A good example is Samsung.
Samsung Knox is a leading mobile security platform that provides a secure environment for corporate data and apps on all Galaxy devices. It protects business and personal privacy from one device with no need for third party IT protection. Essentially, it’s the free security technology which comes pre-installed in the hardware of Samsung’s latest devices. Knox was first commercially available on the Samsung Galaxy S4 in 2014. Now it’s expanding to Samsung’s consumer electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The ‘Secured by Knox’ emblem seen when turning on a Samsung Galaxy means the cutting-edge Knox technology is embedded into the device.
How does Samsung Knox work?
Data on Knox devices is securely encrypted by default, using a government-certified encryption module. In the event of device theft or loss, anyone who picks up the phone won’t be able proceed past the device lock. It is designed to block any attempts at tampering. This ensures “work” phones come with the same functionality as the latest “personal” smartphones – without compromising security. Knox is more than just a virus scanner or malware detector – or even a security feature. Knox is a security layer which isolates personal and business data, allowing the user a personal device and a business device all on the same hardware.
Society and enterprise is in the early stages of a massive transformative shift in the mobile industry, led by the deployment of 5G at scale, which in turn will enable the accelerated propagation of Enterprise IoT. Knox is evolving to address the privacy needs and security management concerns of business customers in the new 5G-enabled, AI-driven world. Trusted by governments worldwide, Samsung Knox builds easy-to-manage, customisable, defence-grade security into business smartphones and tablets. With real-time monitoring and protection tools, it is virtually impossible for any unauthorised person to access business data.
Knox protection with Aerial Direct
A survey conducted by data security pioneer Varonis, predicts that a business will fall victim to a ransomware attack every 14 seconds in 2019. It’s never been more important to keep your company data secure. At Aerial Direct, our Samsung devices can be supplied with Knox ensuring your phone is protected from hacks, scams and cyber-criminals. Never worry about your data falling into the wrong hands.