Mobile device encryption is the data privacy and security standard for keeping personal and corporate data safe on all mobile devices, from cell phones to tablets, and more. Understanding mobile device encryption, how to enable encryption, and how to choose the best solution for your business can help secure your company’s data today and in the future.
What is Mobile Device Encryption?
Mobile device encryption is a method of securing data on mobile devices by converting that data into unreadable code for any user without the proper key. Mobile device encryption ensures any sensitive or private corporate, employee, or customer information is protected in the event of unauthorized access to a device.
For companies whose workers use mobile devices on a daily basis, mobile device encryption is especially important. In recent years, remote work and hybrid work have become an integral part of the business operations, prompting an uptick in reliance on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. Because workforces are often scattered around the country – and even the globe, ensuring safety and security on those devices is essential to the cyberhealth of an organization.
Why Mobile Device Encryption is Essential
From small start-ups to larger enterprises, every company has private or sensitive information to protect. In the event that a mobile device is lost, stolen, hacked, or otherwise compromised, you want to ensure that the files and information on that device are unable to be accessed.
For instance, an employee may use their phone for both work and personal use while traveling. If that employee accesses their work email over an unsecured public Wi-Fi network that has been compromised by cybercriminals, it could potentially give bad actors access to sensitive company information. With mobile device encryption enabled, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to devices and information and protects confidential data.
Mobile device encryption essentially “locks” all protected data by scrambling information contained on that device, rendering it useless to anyone without the key - a password, PIN, or authentication method. This practice not only safeguards that device, but helps protect your entire organization from data breaches, hacks, and leaks that could compromise your company, as well as your clients and vendors.
Types of Mobile Device Encryption
There are several types and layers of encryption available to help protect your company’s data on mobile devices. The right solution for your needs depends on the type of data that needs protection, the format in which data is collected and stored, and what portion of your data needs to remain secure. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll walk you through the different types of mobile device encryption.
Full Disk Encryption (FDE)
Full disk encryption (FDE) works by encrypting all data on a device’s storage and requires authentication to access information prior to accessing it. Upon powering up the mobile device, a user must provide credentials before they can access any part of the device, regardless of how sensitive the data, application, or software may be.
FDE is particularly useful for confidential data that requires thorough lockdown – such as personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), or financial data. FDE can also be a preferred encryption method for mobile devices that are used exclusively for business purposes as opposed to doubling as a personal device.
File-Based Encryption (FBE)
File-based encryption (FBE) allows various files accessible on a device to be encrypted with different keys that can be unlocked independently. FBE allows certain apps to remain locked until proper authentication is provided, while other apps can remain open and accessible.
FBE is an ideal option when only select apps and data on a mobile device require protection. It’s also a valuable solution for BYOD devices, giving a user access to their mobile device for personal use (such accessibility apps and alarms), while still keeping sensitive company data secure.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is an encryption solution designed to secure messaging across multiple applications. E2EE ensures that data is encrypted from the sender to the recipient. As a result, only the sender and recipient have access to the data contained within the message. This method of encryption is especially useful for companies that frequently send sensitive information via messaging apps or portals.
Key-Based Encryption
Key-based encryption provides critical security for companies who regularly need to encrypt and decrypt data via cloud-based storage and data sharing. Key-based data transforms easily-readable data into scrambled information that can only be deciphered to its original format by using specific keys. This highly sophisticated method makes unauthorized access incredibly difficult for those without the proper credentials and keys.
How to Enable Mobile Device Encryption
Regardless of device type or operating system, you can enable encryption on any device following a simple process. Miradore can encrypt both iOS and Android devices.
To enable iOS device encryption:
- Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to show the managed account for the mobile device management (MDM) profile.
- Access the MDM enrollment profile and more details by tapping Managed Account > Profiles and Device Management.
- Finally, tap More Details to enroll the device.
To enable Android device encryption:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Security & Location.
- Under Encryption, tap Encrypt Phone or Encrypt Tablet.
Best Practices for Mobile Device Encryption
When deciding on the right encryption method(s) for your business, there are a few important elements and steps to keep in mind.
- Identify all devices with sensitive data: Conduct a thorough inventory of all existing mobile devices and create a standard for future mobile devices that will need encryption.
- Regularly update and deploy encryption software: In order to keep security strong, all devices must be properly updated.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add multiple layers of security with a second or third form of verification required to access your company’s most sensitive devices. MFAs can include authenticator apps, SMS verification, or even facial or retinal scan authentication to grant access.
- Train and update employees: Make sure to educate and maintain ongoing training for employees on how to keep their devices secure. Practices can involve instructing them on creating strong passwords and regularly changing them at predetermined intervals.
- Centralize your encryption management: Consolidate all encryption implementation, updates, and compliance into a single system.
The Future of Mobile Device Encryption
As the cost of cybersecurity breaches and reputational damage increases for companies year over year, mobile device encryption is a necessity for organizations to safeguard sensitive information. To stay ahead of cybercriminals and also stay compliant with increasingly more stringent government regulations on data privacy, organizations need to embrace advancements in quantum encryption and AI-based methods to protect data in new, more sophisticated ways.
Key Takeaways
While mobile device encryption can feel confusing, we aim to make it simple. With multiple options available, there’s a Miradore solution that’s right for your unique business needs.
No matter the size of your organization or industry, there’s one factor that holds true: it’s essential to make sure your company is operating with a “safety first” mindset when it comes to securing your data. Safeguard your data today with Miradore.