Category: Apple iOS

Mobile Device Management for SMBs: Enhancing Android and iPhone Security with MDM

In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives, both personally and professionally. With the increasing reliance on smartphones and tablets, businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs), need to prioritize mobile device security. One effective solution for enhancing Android and iPhone security is Mobile Device Management (MDM). In this article, we will explore the benefits of MDM for SMBs, its role in enhancing Android and iPhone security, and how businesses can implement MDM to safeguard their sensitive data.

1. Understanding the Importance of Android and iPhone Security

Android and iPhone, being the most widely used mobile operating systems globally, have become a prime target for cybercriminals. With its open-source nature and extensive app ecosystem, Android devices are susceptible to various security threats, such as malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access. With its user-friendliness and built-in trust, iPhone users are easily tricked into downloading and installing malware which leads to data breaches and unauthorized access. SMBs, in particular, need to be proactive in securing their Android and iPhone devices to protect sensitive customer information, intellectual property, and maintain regulatory compliance.

2. Introducing Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to centrally manage and secure their fleet of mobile devices, including Android and iPhone smartphones and tablets. MDM provides IT administrators with granular control over device settings, app distribution, security policies, and data management. By implementing MDM, SMBs can streamline device management, enhance data security, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

2.1 Benefits of MDM for SMBs

Centralized Device Management: MDM allows businesses to manage multiple Android devices from a single console, simplifying device provisioning, configuration, and updates.
Enhanced Security: MDM enables IT administrators to enforce security policies, such as password requirements, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities, ensuring that lost or stolen devices do not compromise sensitive data.
App Distribution and Management: With MDM, businesses can distribute and manage apps on Android devices, ensuring that only authorized and secure applications are installed.
Secure Content and Data Management: MDM provides secure containers or workspaces on Android devices, segregating business data from personal information and enabling seamless data synchronization.
Compliance and Reporting: MDM offers robust reporting capabilities, allowing businesses to monitor device usage, enforce compliance regulations, and generate audit trails.

3. Implementing MDM for Android and iPhone Security

Implementing MDM for Android and iPhone security involves a series of steps to ensure a seamless deployment and effective device management. Let’s explore the key considerations and best practices for SMBs looking to implement MDM.

3.1 Assessing Business Needs and Objectives

Before implementing MDM, SMBs should assess their business needs and objectives. This includes identifying the number of devices to be managed, understanding the security requirements, and evaluating the compatibility with existing IT infrastructure.

3.2 Choosing the Right MDM Solution

There are numerous MDM solutions available in the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. SMBs should carefully evaluate different MDM vendors, considering factors such as scalability, ease of use, security features, integration capabilities, and cost-effectiveness.

3.3 Defining Security Policies and Configuration

Once the MDM solution is selected, SMBs need to define security policies and configurations. This includes setting password requirements, enabling device encryption, configuring firewall settings, and defining app installation permissions. The policies should align with industry best practices and compliance regulations.

3.4 Device Enrollment and Onboarding

After defining security policies, SMBs can proceed with device enrollment and onboarding. This involves registering Android devices with the MDM system, configuring device settings, and installing necessary security profiles and certificates.

3.5 Monitoring and Maintenance

MDM is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and maintenance. SMBs should regularly review security policies, update device configurations, patch vulnerabilities, and conduct security audits to ensure the effectiveness of the MDM solution.

4. Android vs. iPhone: MDM Considerations

While Android devices are more susceptible to security threats due to their open nature, it is essential to consider the unique security challenges posed by iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads. Although iOS has built-in security features, SMBs should evaluate MDM solutions that offer comprehensive support for both Android and iOS devices to ensure consistent security across their mobile fleet.

5. The Future of MDM and Android Security

As technology evolves, the landscape of mobile device security continues to change. The future of MDM and Android security holds promising advancements, including:

Machine Learning and AI: MDM solutions can leverage machine learning and AI algorithms to detect and prevent emerging security threats proactively.
IoT Integration: With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), MDM will encompass managing and securing a broader range of devices, including wearables and smart home devices.
Biometric Authentication: MDM solutions will increasingly utilize biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, for secure device access.
Containerization and Virtualization: MDM will further enhance data security by implementing advanced containerization and virtualization techniques, isolating business data from personal information.

If your SMB is seeking to enhance Android and iPhone security by leveraging the benefits of MDM, contact us for professional assistance and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Why 2FA is Necessary for Business

Businesses are face an increasing number of cyber threats. To protect sensitive data and prevent hackers from gaining access, implementing stronger security measures is crucial. One such measure is 2-factor authentication (2FA). Let’s look at the importance and security benefits of 2FA for businesses.

Enhanced Account Security:

2FA adds an extra layer of security to the traditional username and password login process. By requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device, it significantly reduces the risk of hackers from gaining access. Even if a hacker manages to obtain a user’s password, they would still need the second factor to gain access.

Mitigation of Password-related Risks:

Passwords are often the weakest link in security systems. Many users tend to reuse passwords across multiple accounts or choose weak and easily guessable ones or re-use the same password while incrementally changing a digit or two. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, the additional authentication factor acts as a safeguard, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access.

Protection Against Phishing Attacks:

Phishing attacks, where attackers trick users into revealing their login credentials, are a common threat to businesses. 2FA provides an additional layer of defense against such attacks. Even if a user unknowingly falls victim to a phishing attempt and enters their credentials on a fake website, the second authentication factor would prevent the attacker from accessing the account.

Compliance with Industry Regulations:

Many industries, such as finance, healthcare, government contractors, and e-commerce, are subject to strict data protection regulations. Implementing 2FA helps businesses meet compliance requirements and avoid potential penalties. It demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding sensitive customer information and builds trust with clients.

Cost-Effective Security Measure:

Implementing 2FA does not require significant financial investment. Many 2FA solutions are readily available and can be easily integrated into existing systems. Considering the potential financial and brand reputation damage caused by a security breach, the cost of implementing 2FA is minimal compared to the benefits it provides.

In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving, businesses must prioritize security measures to protect their valuable data. 2-factor authentication offers a simple yet effective way to do so.

If your company is interested in implementing 2FA across the entire organization, then contact us for assistance.

Two Great Tastes That Go Great Together

We have decided to make a business change that includes no longer directly selling phone services, but instead we are moving our clients to RingCentral. They are the industry leaders in this type of service and their rates are very competitive. One of their killer features is the Teams integration

RingCentral for Teams – Embedded App

RingCentral for Teams embedded app enables calling from the Teams app to both internal extensions and external numbers. It’s the simplest way to supercharge the phone experience for both end users and IT admins without having to deploy a new app to end users. Most importantly, there’s no need for an added Microsoft calling or E5 license to capture this value. This solution is ideal for organizations that want to:

leverage RingCentral’s superior telephony while maximizing the value of their Teams investment
avoid the added cost of Microsoft’s calling license

With the RingCentral for Teams embedded app, users access an icon presented in Microsoft Teams. They can then place and receive calls, access voicemails and voicemail transcriptions, and send or receive an SMS or fax. These tools fill critical gaps in Microsoft Teams, transforming it from messaging and video meeting tool to a communications powerhouse. This approach is also a money saver, as it doesn’t require the added cost of a Teams Phone or E5 license.

If your company is currently using Microsoft Teams for communications and want to add the incredible functionality that RingCentral brings, then contact us for assistance.

Don’t You Hate Having All Those Passwords

Whether you are buying something from an online store, reading your email in the browser, checking your account balances, or uploading photos / videos to social media, most websites require an individual username and password when accessing their services. This raises various problems.

What’s with ALL the Passwords?

Using the same password for all the websites you access is a bad idea and horribly insecure. If we run a quick check on the “Dark Web” for your email address, it would likely show that hackers already know the one password you have been using forever. So the only other option is multiple passwords, which can easily go beyond the limits of our feeble human brains to keep track of OR people start creating a list that is typically typed up and saved on the computer – if a hacker gets into the computer then all the passwords are theirs too. So then the option is to find a secure way of storing and backing up these passwords, not to mention trying to make them easy to use.

Rangle Them Passwords!

That is the job of Password Management done by a small piece of software known as a password manager. It takes the complexity down to remembering the one password to open the software, then it tracks the rest from there. The good ones have the ability to generate passwords for you, store them in connection with the website you are visiting, auto-filling the password fields on the websites when you visit them again, and backup your passwords to the cloud – all with strong security and encryption to keep the hackers out of your business.

If your company is still typing passwords into a list, or worse have a paper list, then contact us for assistance migrating to a password manager.

How to make money back buying IT assets

Farmhouse Networking continues to make strides in providing our customers with the best, most cost effective, and environmentally friendly computing experience possible. Part of that process is what has come to be known as Lifecycle Management. Each piece of hardware has an expected amount of time in which it is cost effective to use and support it. Once this time frame has been exceeded the cost of supporting the device becomes greater than the cost as shown in the following graph:

FHN Lifecycle Management

So the question remains what to do with the old computers when the time comes to replace them. Previously here in Grants Pass, OR we could support a local charity by taking them to Southern Oregon Aspire to have the computers dismantled and hard drives shredded. Now that their doors are closed we are stuck with dropping them off at the local dump, but what if you could make money while being responsible with the environment?

Farmhouse Networking is now partnering with a company called Arcoa, who do just that. Here is what they do in their R2 rated responsible recycling facility:

“We help you recover value from retired electronic equipment through responsible methods of reuse and recycling. Resale offers the best potential for value recovery, but the fast pace of innovations in technology and short product life cycles can limit equipment’s potential for reuse. From there, the best option may be to recycle the items in an environmentally friendly manner. We’ve built a robust de-manufacturing process to offer additional options for asset value recovery by disassembling equipment for commodity grade materials, which can be diverted from landfills and be used to create new materials.”

Hard drives will be electronically wiped, magnetically degaussed, or shredded based on need. The rest of the parts will be dismantled and sold with part of the profit returning to your company to help offset the cost of buying new computers. What could be better than making money on the buy?

If your company is heading towards a hardware refresh, then make the environmentally sound choice by contacting us for assistance.

Quick Tip: Voice Recognition comes to Microsoft Teams

Exchange to Office 365 Migration - Grants Pass, OR

According to the Microsoft Office 365 development roadmap, an exciting new feature is coming to Microsoft Teams:

“Cortana is coming to the Teams mobile app, using AI and the Microsoft Graph to provide voice assistance in Teams. To stay connected to your team even when you have your hands full, click the microphone button on the top right and ask Cortana to make a call, join a meeting, send chat messages, share files, and more. These voice assistance experiences are delivered using Cortana enterprise-grade services that meet Microsoft 365 privacy, security and compliance commitments. Cortana will be available in the Teams mobile app on iOS and Android in the coming weeks for Microsoft 365 Enterprise users in the U.S. in English.”

If your company is looking to collaborate with your office effectively, then contact us for assistance.

Where do you keep your passwords?

Farmhouse Networking has had a long standing policy that we do not keep a record of client passwords (except when needed for device administration). That is about to change, but before we talk about our new password policy let’s talk password storage:

Common Password Storage

Here are some popular places where many businesses store their passwords that make them very vulnerable to being stolen.

Passwords written on paper (that are not under lock and key):

On your desk under your keyboard (or taped underneath)
Under your stapler or desk decorations
On sticky notes stuck to your monitor or desk
On a scrap of paper on your desk or in a drawer
In a notebook or address book
In a old-fashioned Rolodex file
Paper printouts or photocopies of your passwords

Anyone with access to your office could easily find and steal passwords stored like this.

Passwords stored in your computer (without using encryption):

Remembered in your web browser
A document called “Passwords” that you’ve created anywhere on your computer, perhaps using Microsoft Word or Excel
A document with any other name on your computer (including the password as the name)
Email drafts that you’ve created (but not sent) containing password information

Anyone with access to your computer could easily find and steal passwords stored like this, including both a person with physical access to it as well as a virus or hacker gaining access via the internet, or scamming you into granting them access, even once.

Passwords stored in your smartphone or tablet (without using encryption):

Electronic “Notes” containing password information
Other documents or emails similar to the ones listed in computer storage above

Anyone with access to your device could easily find and steal passwords stored like this.

Passwords sent via regular (insecure) email:

Emails that you have sent to yourself containing password information
Emails that you have sent to anyone else containing password information

Any information that you send using regular (unencrypted) email puts that information at risk of being stolen. Email is neither private nor secure. Sending an email is like mailing a postcard, and hackers and thieves can easily read the contents. You should never send passwords (or any other confidential or sensitive data) via regular email.

Secure Password Storage

Now for the discussion of Farmhouse Networking’s new password policy. We are partnering with a company to provide a storage of passwords and other client documentation with military grade encryption. This partnership also allows us to address the dangers that common password storage present by offering our clients this same encrypted password storage service. Here are some of the benefits of this service:

Unlimited users
Unlimited passwords
Each user has a personal password vault
Shared company password vault
Security groups to manage access
Auditing & reporting (Compliance)
Secure password sharing
1-Click Login Tool (for all major browsers)
Mobile Device Access
Only $15 per month (Compared to Lastpass Business at $4 per user per month)

If your company is using common password storage of any kind do yourself a security favor and contact us to upgrade to secure password storage.

Wireless Security Upgrade

Strange to think that the current wireless security protocol has been in use for over a decade, but with the release of WPA3 certification today the Wi-Fi Alliance has made some serious strides towards a more secure wireless security standard.

Security Improvements

Offline Password Guessing – Attackers will now only get one guess per offline packet instead of unlimited. This will force them to interact with the wireless device directly which will make their attacks easier to detect and easier to shut them out.

Forward Secrecy – Even if the attacker is able to record a data stream and crack the current password, they will not be able to read the recorded data – only new data flowing over the network.

192-bit Encryption: – Enterprise users and tech savvy small businesses will be able to take advantage of deeper encryption for more secure connections

Wi-Fi Easy Connect – Simple to use, secure way for home users to connect their devices by scanning a QR code instead of entering a complex password.

This new security protocol mixed with the latest 802.11ax (that could bring 10 Gigabit speeds to wireless) will make 2019 a banner year for wireless technology.
If your company is interested better wireless security or faster wireless speeds, then contact us for assistance.

CyberSecurity Month – Mobile Device

Mobile devices enable Americans to get online wherever they are. Although mobile devices — from smart watches to phones and tables — can be extremely useful and convenient, there are also potential threats users may face with such technology. It’s important to understand how to protect yourself when connecting on the go.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 56 percent of American adults own a smartphone.
• More than half of mobile application (app) users have uninstalled or decided not to install an app due to concerns about their personal information.

SIMPLE TIPS

1. Use strong passwords.

Change any default passwords on your mobile device to ones that would be difficult for someone to guess. Use different passwords for different programs and devices. Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords. (We recommend LastPass Mobile App to keep track of password, encryption of the phone and fingerprint scanning for unlocking your device.)

2. Keep software up to date.

Install updates for apps and your device’s operating system as soon as they are available. Keeping the software on your mobile device up to date will prevent attackers from being able to take advantage of known vulnerabilities. (Unfortunately the carrier that you choose is in charge of the OS updates on the phones, but allow auto updates on all other apps.)

3. Disable remote connectivity.

Some mobile devices are equipped with wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, that can connect to other devices. Disable these features when they are not in use. (Look out for NFC also as this will allow access based on how close someone gets to your phone – think crowded elevator.)

4. Be careful what you post and when.

Wait to post pictures from trips and events so that people do not know where to find you. Posting where you are also reminds others that your house is empty.

5. Guard your mobile device.

In order to prevent theft and unauthorized access, never leave your mobile device unattended in a public place and lock your device when it is not in use.

6. Know your apps.

Be sure to review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Be aware that apps may request access to your location and personal information. Delete any apps that you do not use regularly to increase your security. (Also do not root your phone or install apps from any place platforms app store.)

7. Know the available resources.

Use the Federal Communications Commission’s Smartphone Security Checker at www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security.

If your company is concerned about cybersecurity and wants to take the needed steps to protect yourselves, then contact us for assistance.

Social Wifi Hotspot Router Drives Traffic

While investigating ambient music service for a business through Pandora for business, found this incredible new way for businesses to socially connect with the users of their free WiFi service. With Social Wifi using the Mood WiFi router setup properly users will be taken to a portal page upon connecting to the free WiFi system. This portal page asks for them to login via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram account or email address then for those who connect with social media are asked to like the business they are connecting at to gain access to the internet. This system brilliantly allows business to track who is using their internet service and deeply connect with them via social media. I could easily see this as a huge benefit for any small retail store or restaurant wanting to expand their advertising dollar with a very small budget ($35 per month).

Category: Apple iOS

Mobile Device Management for SMBs: Enhancing Android and iPhone Security with MDM

1. Understanding the Importance of Android and iPhone Security