Digital security is paramount for every business, but many companies focus solely on the security of office computers. Today, mobile security is equally important because employees now access files, company email accounts and social media remotely from their own personal devices – smartphones and tablets that might fall short in terms of digital security.
John Joyce, CEO of CRS Technology Consultants, recently appeared on Gulf Coast News to discuss the long-running myth that mobile devices have some sort of built-in immunity to viruses or are impossible to hack.
“We’re told that it’s safe, you can’t get viruses,” John says. “None of that is true.”
During the TV segment, titled “Cybersecurity expert highlights mobile device vulnerabilities,” John offers viewers a multitude of tips to enhance their mobile security.
Addressing the myth
In a blog titled “Why protection is critical in the hybrid workforce,” IBM offers its take on why smartphone users don’t focus on mobile security: “Unlike traditional computers, which are generally well-defended with antivirus software and cybersecurity protocols, mobile devices are frequently left vulnerable due to a lack of user awareness and proper protection.”
As the Apple iPhone approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027, the myth about smartphone security remains.
“Your mobile device is different from a computer,” John says. “That doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
Hackers can breach any device that’s connected to the internet.
“The good news is Samsung, Apple and Google do patch these things very quickly,” John states. “The first thing is to make sure your device is up to date. If you’re running the latest operating system, the latest updates, your chances go way, way down of having those issues. They still exist, but they go way down.”
Smartphones and tablets ARE computers
At work, employees use computers to send and receive emails, update documents, save files and more. At home, individuals use computers for email, social media, browsing the internet, gaming and streaming movies.
People use smartphones for those same things, too.
“If you think of it in terms of hours, I would wager to say that for most people, their smartphone is their primary computing device,” John says. “That’s a shocking way to think about it.”
Because people use the same programs and apps across devices, phones and computers are unequivocally connected. A virus picked up on a smartphone or tablet can easily transfer to a computer, television and even smart devices within a home or office.
That interconnectivity is even more reason to pay attention to mobile security.
“When we talk about what is on their devices… it’s your digital fingerprint,” John notes.
This includes photos, videos, banking and investments, social media, email, health records and, or course, work-related files and projects.
Diagnosing a hack or breach
Oftentimes, a mobile device that’s been compromised still works. John notes some tell-tale signs, though. One is that the phone slows down a lot. Another sign is that apps don’t load correctly. Emails are possibly the most evident sign that something is amiss, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the device itself.
“More often than not, it’s not your device that was compromised, it was the services running on that device,” John says. “Your email account may have been compromised or someone may be impersonating your phone number and sending fraudulent messages.”
John equates mobile security to our desire to stay healthy.
“Think of it like the flu,” John says. “You can do all the right stuff – wash your hands, don’t be around large crowds. You can do all those things and still get sick. The same goes for all your devices. You can have all the right software and you can do all the right things, and you can still get a virus and you can still get your email compromised. These bad things can still happen, but it’s all about lessening the risk.”
READ MORE: 2026 Tech Trends: What to buy, what to watch
Enhancing mobile security
There is one type of phone that is virtually impossible, John jokes, but short of using a landline, most individuals rely on a smartphone to manage their professional and personal lives.
John offers five tips to enhance mobile security:
- Install a VPN to encrypt data.
- Allow automatic software updates to ensure vital security patches keep your device safe.
- Avoid clicking links in emails or texts from any sender you don’t know.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication on all apps where that is an option.
- Only download apps from the App Store or Google Play Store – not websites.
Additionally, John says smartphone users should download both a VPN and an antivirus program.
“There are free ones out there, but use a paid one,” John advises. “They are better at protecting your data and information. It’s normal to think about an antivirus on a computer. We’re not used to thinking about that on a phone, but those apps do exist for the phone and can add a lot of protection.”
Security.org recommends the following for iPhone users:
- Norton: Best Phishing Protection
- TotalAV: Best Value for Money
- Guardio: Best for Scam Detection
Security.org recommends the following for Android users:
- Norton: Most User-Friendly
- Aura: Best Antivirus with ID Protection
- TotalAV: Best Bonus Features
- Guardio: Best Threat Protection
LISTEN: Solid State Podcast
