Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) 2025: Mobile and Remote Work Security Essentials

Why Does Mobile & Remote Security Matter? 

Although it is vital to ensure that all devices are kept secure, mobile security is especially important because devices such as your cellphone are increasingly becoming more of a go-to place when it comes to texting people, sending an email, or even getting some light work done. Since cellphones are personal devices, they do not fall under the same umbrella of protection as university laptops or devices do, and as such they are more vulnerable to threats such as phishing, malware, and more. Because of this, mobile device security is a potential weak point in the bigger picture of data and cyber security. 40% of data breaches involve remote or mobile devices!

The Top Threats to Be Aware Of

Some of the most common threats faced by mobile devices and remote work are: 

• Phishing and Social Engineering: Fake emails, texts or calls can trick you into giving over access to your account, or even device, to cyber criminals.  
• Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can leave your devices and information vulnerable to hackers who can intercept data on unsecure public networks.  
• Lost or Stolen Devices: If a device is stolen and is not properly secured, really the only thing standing between a bad actor and your data is time.  
• Outdated Software: Updates are released to patch and fix security vulnerabilities in software; not updating keeps your device from receiving these vital patches and thus leaves it vulnerable.  
• Weak Passwords or No MFA: Using passwords which are short or not very complex makes it easy for hackers to guess your password. Not using MFA makes it much easier for hackers to get in if they get your password, as MFA makes it so that a hacker needs both your password, and access to your authentication device.  

Best Practices, Tools & Resources 

Here are some tips to best secure your mobile devices and ensure that you are protected when working remotely.  

• Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi on a personal device or use NEOMED's GlobalProtect VPN when working from home on a NEOMED-issued device. 
• Lock your device when you leave it unattended, even at home.  
• Keep your devices and apps updated. 
• Use strong, unique passwords on all personal devices and accounts. 
• Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unexpected or unknown attachments. 
• Don’t leave sensitive documents visible in your home workspace.
• Use NEOMED approved cloud services and apps. 
• Please report suspicious activity to the IT Help Desk (help@neomed.edu) immediately.