Making Android Smart Devices Safer for Enterprise Use

Android based products are not getting the acclamation they were expecting from the business sector. Researches revealed many reasons behind this but, every research pointed security as one of the prominent issues behind businesses staying standoffish from adopting Android full-time in businesses. However, IT admin and business owners have many options to address security related threats arising from various points. In this write up, I will discuss about the security of this most popular mobile operating system and measures that IT managers and business owners could take to tackle security related issues.

Let us first discuss upon the very important question - what are the biggest threats faced by Android at business levels? There are many ways in which, threats related to Android could appear at the enterprise level. The most prevalent is that IT managers cannot control Android mobile devices completely. The admin cannot prohibit or authorize the apps that are being used. As a result, Android users can download apps from any app store. Apps downloaded from non-trusted resources are mostly un-vetted and do not have the necessary security measures infused in them. These apps are the biggest source of malware attacks on any company servers. In addition, security policies also will not help IT managers to maintain a high-level security because of the lack of centralized tool for the Android mobile operating system.

Another major issue faced by IT heads, in context of Android is that it's most versions the feature of native tracking and disabling system. This is present in Apple's operating system and proved its handiness in device lost or stolen kind of scenario.

Now the second question is - why Android app security is such a big deal. Although, Google keeps a strict vigil over every app before allowing it to enter the market, but there are no pre-defined security parameters and standards that app developers have to adhere while developing apps for Android. The only security aspect employed by Google is sandboxing, which puts certain limits on how an app can interact with others. This feature puts marginal restrictions on the effects of malware. The hackers have already devised a way to confront this. They can design a malware to trick users by sending authentic looking requests and seeking permission to access. Once, the permission is granted, they will transfer viruses and attack over the complete mobile platform.

Now the next question is - how to differentiate a malicious app from a secure app? Experts say that before selecting apps to download from Android store, business owners should study the reviews received by it. They should try to download apps only from Google app store and shun any third party apps. IT admin can play their role here by directing app users to Veracode directory, which contains names of the apps tested and approved in terms of security by Veracode. Apart from this, it is also necessary for IT admin to be aware of app developers that have a past history of creating infectious apps.

Conclusion

Here are a few more steps that users and IT admin could take to tighten the security of Android devices used in the offices. IT heads can spread awareness about device security and the importance of downloading apps only from trusted sources. Users should keep screen protection enabled in every situation. Moreover, users with tablets that have feature "Find my Device" should learn to employ it more effectively.