Four Things You Can Do To Avoid the Negative Consequences of Losing Your Smartphone

One of the worst-case scenarios is losing your smartphone, and it’s easy to see how something as simple as a lost or stolen device could cause major issues. That’s why it’s important to take security seriously and be proactive, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. Here are four steps you can take now to reduce the risk of a lost or stolen device becoming a serious problem for your business.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

One of the best ways to protect your mobile devices is by using multi-factor authentication (MFA). This extra layer of security helps ensure that even if a device is lost or stolen, it’s harder for someone to access your data. For instance, enable a PIN or biometric authentication (like a fingerprint) on your smartphone and laptop. Some MFA methods also involve receiving a text or call on another device.

Enable Location Services

Location services are often disabled by default, but it’s a good idea to turn them on, especially when you’re out and about. While it might not pinpoint your device's exact location, it can give you a rough estimate of where it might be, making it easier to track down. In fact, when your phone goes missing, you might want to start by using the “Find My Phone” feature on Apple or Google's “Find My Device” to locate your phone. If it’s nearby, you can make it ring or display a message on the screen.

Establish Mobile Device Management (MDM) Policies

While it’s never pleasant to think about, preparing for the worst-case scenario is part of business planning. Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies can help protect your devices by offering features like remote wiping, tracking, and other security options. This can reduce the impact of losing a device and improve the chances of recovery. Mobile device policies can be implemented on your network and would govern all of the devices that access company data.

Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data regularly is essential. If your device is lost or stolen and you can't recover it, a backup ensures that you won’t lose important files. This makes it much easier to wipe the device remotely without the added stress of losing your data.

The key to preventing problems with lost or stolen devices is preparation. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to secure your devices. For more tips on how to stay proactive with your device security, contact us at (703) 821-8200.