Mobile devices have become essential tools for staff and volunteers in the not-for-profit sector. They enable flexible work environments, enhance communication, and provide access to organisational resources. However, this convenience also comes with security challenges. To keep your data safe and ensure effective management, it’s crucial to have the right strategies in place.
Not-for-profit organisations often handle sensitive data, such as beneficiary information or donor details. Data security becomes essential with the increased use of mobile devices for work purposes. A data breach can not only damage your charity’s reputation but also harm the communities you serve.
Common risks to mobile device security include:
- Data loss or theft
- Malware and phishing attacks
- Unsecured wi-fi networks
Best practices for securing mobile devices
Implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions
MDM software allows you to control access, enforce security policies, and remotely wipe devices if they’re lost or stolen. This ensures that sensitive information is protected and only accessed by authorised personnel. A popular mobile device management solution is Microsoft InTune.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Ensure all work mobile devices have strong passwords for accounts and have Multi-Factor Authentication set-up. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for unauthorised users to gain access to sensitive data or emails.
Regularly update devices and apps
Updating devices and applications is essential to patch security vulnerabilities. Encourage your organisation to enable automatic updates to ensure they’re always protected from cyber threats.
Encryption and secure access
Use encryption to protect sensitive data stored on the device. For accessing work resources, use secure connections like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to ensure that data is encrypted when transmitted.
Mobile device policy
Having a clear and enforceable mobile device policy is key to ensuring all users understand the expectations and rules around mobile usage for work related instances.
If you’re looking to create a mobile device policy, here’s what you could include:
- Device registration: require all devices accessing work data to be registered and compliant with security policies.
- Acceptable use guidelines: define what is considered acceptable use of work-related apps, email, and browsing.
- Incident reporting: outline the key steps to take if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised.
Educating your team on mobile security
Training and awareness for your team is critical. With cyber attacks developing on a daily basis, it’s vital to stay alert and know what to look out for. You should educate your team about the risks associated with mobile devices and best practices for keeping information safe. This includes recognising phishing attempts, how to handle sensitive data, and knowing how to respond if a device is compromised.
For more information or support in implementing mobile security for your organisation, please reach out to the Qlic IT team.