Security Smartphone Security Risk: How Medium-Sized Companies Can Better Protect Themselves

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Deutsche Telekom AG

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Smartphones are indispensable in the workday of many industrial companies, but often also a cost and security risk. Small and medium-sized enterprises therefore require mobile tariffs that meet their specific needs.

Lukas Lebahn is Vice President Commercial Management Mobile for the business customer segment T Business at Deutsche Telekom (telecommunications company).

Whether on the way to a maintenance appointment, in the production hall, or en route to a customer, smartphones or tablets are constant companions in the work operations of many small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector. Technicians use mobile devices to perform on-site fault diagnostics, order spare parts online, and document their work steps. Field service employees can access important customer and company data at any time, quickly connect with the back office, and better plan customer meetings. During quality inspections directly in the production hall, the smartphone also helps capture processes on-site and enter inspection protocols and measurement data into the system.

However, mobile flexibility also brings some security challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies must not overlook the increasing security risk associated with the use of smartphones.

Phishing, Data Manipulation, or Botnet Attacks Threaten

When employees work with smartphones, there is an increased risk of becoming victims of a cyberattack. Criminals attempt to intercept sensitive data by eavesdropping or manipulating data traffic through man-in-the-middle attacks. This is especially dangerous when employees rely on unencrypted or poorly secured connections. Phishing attacks also pose a significant threat. In these attacks, employees are tricked by seemingly legitimate messages into opening malicious links or revealing confidential information. The attackers often impersonate well-known payment, postal, or logistics service providers to deceive their victims.

Another problem is the lack of awareness among employees. Many staff members are unaware of potential dangers and the correct behaviors in handling IT security. In the hustle and bustle of everyday work, employees are often less attentive, which increases the success rate of such attacks. Many studies show that human error is a common trigger for security incidents. Furthermore, there is a risk that downloading apps from unknown sources could make devices part of a botnet, which can be used for DDoS attacks (Distributed Denial of Service) or the spread of malware in the corporate network.

Medium-sized enterprises are particularly susceptible to attacks on mobile devices. According to a study by the technology group Sharp, 57 percent of SMEs lack adequate mobile security measures. This is often because these businesses cannot maintain a large-scale IT department. Large companies and corporations can ensure consistently high security levels with sophisticated mobile device management solutions (MDM). In small businesses, however, individual IT specialists or system administrators are generally already fully occupied with ongoing operations.

Security from the Mobile Network

Not only do small and medium-sized enterprises need a mobile plan that can equip as many employees as possible cost-effectively, but a plan with built-in protection can also effectively address many of the mentioned security issues. Security services integrated directly into the mobile network help minimize the administrative burden for the customer. The reality often looks like this: when mobile providers offer a security service, it consists of an additional client or app that the customer must install. Often, providers charge extra for such services.

Better are network-internal security solutions that detect and block fraudulent websites, messages, and content before sensitive data can be disclosed. This significantly reduces the risk of phishing attacks and other threats. An online portal through which customers can regularly view reports on thwarted attacks is also sensible. These reports provide valuable insights into the type and frequency of attacks and enable companies to better sensitize their employees and specifically adjust security policies. Corresponding mobile tariffs must also be suitable for multi-SIM cards and usage abroad. Only in this way can all mobile devices of a company be protected, regardless of the number of SIM cards used.

Protection Without Personnel Effort and High Costs

Mobile tariffs with built-in security features offer the significant advantage of not causing additional administrative effort for companies. The security features are already integrated into the mobile network, so companies do not have to install additional software or worry about updates.

This simplifies cost planning and relieves the IT budget. SMEs benefit from a security service without having to bear the usually associated high costs or personnel effort. Another significant advantage is that experienced security professionals specializing in protecting business customer infrastructures oversee mobile security. They continuously analyze the threat landscape and adjust the protective measures accordingly.

Small and medium-sized industrial companies that use mobile tariffs with integrated security services can focus on their core business. Knowing they are protected from many threats in the mobile network, these companies can channel their energy into advancing digitalization and developing innovations, rather than constantly dealing with security issues.

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