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Before the 21st century, companies had a much easier time keeping their communications secure. Back then, the most they would have to worry about was encrypting emails and informing their personnel about privacy when they sent faxes. Times have definitely changed. The new wave of communications has enacted new challenges for those companies looking to control how information flows in and out of their company. The emergence of always-on listening devices, for example, like Android Phones and iPhones Siri, as well as the increased number of smart home devices like the Amazon Echo, make for a new set of challenges.

Companies that handle sensitive consumer data like banks and hospitals must be especially vigilant in securing their private information. Complications that can arise from a breach of their communications can be much fold. On the one hand, as soon as news spreads that a company cant secure its patrons data, public trust in that company vanishes along with their consumer base; on the other, these companies can actually face liability and lawsuits if the offended party suffers some type of loss, which adds even more bad publicity. Companies are now faced with the necessity to add more layers of protection between their consumers, themselves, and those who would seek to exploit both.Conversational Apps

Since computing began with enormous desktops that eventually became smaller versions and laptops, the most adamant Internet security is dedicated to that medium. That is, the world is still catching up to the rapid advancement of the mobile phone as a device that can feasibly replace a computer. Simply put, where a user/password authentication will work on most desktops, mobile devices have many ways to sneak in. Conversational apps, for example, are even tougher to secure, as its underlying avenues for entry are simply different than a desktop.

For example, OneLogin has taken measures to alleviate these concerns using Multi-Factor Authentication, or MFA. This form of authentication goes beyond the usual name and password check and adds several factors that allow its mechanism to determine the users identity. On the surface, MFA greatly decreases the likelihood that a breach will occur just by adding more layers of security, but it also prevents accidental breaches of information from occurring by authorized personnel. This can be added to all devices that have access to the network, so the challenge of securing mobile devices with conversational weak points becomes a non-issue since the app will be absorbed into a catalog that integrates with its security measures.

Essential Security Measures

The following are further measures you can take to secure a mobile device running conversational apps:

Secure the network. Securing transmissions at the application level becomes much easier when you secure the devices responsible for providing the Internet. A robust firewall application is necessary, as is high-level encryption of data, and limited access. OneLogin uses Integra Cloud Firewall to secure its Active Directories and protect information submitted to the cloud.

Avoiding Linked Devices. This ties into the conversational apps ability to communicate directly with other listening devices once a simple verification is completed once. It means that anyone in physical possession of an external device can use it to infiltrate another. Again, Multi-Factor Authentication also prevents this, since the user would need to pass several more layers before a breach can occur.

Be wary of third parties. Running communications through conversational apps allows the companies that govern these communications access. This is the rare case when reading over the terms and conditions of an application actually matters. If anything in the fine print gives an indication that the company has the right to store information on their own servers, company use should be severely limited or ceased altogether.

About OneLogin

OneLogin is an Internet security company that specializes in all aspects of identity management, including SSO. They offer a number of different services related to securing company devices in all forms, using an extensive array of measures. Mainly they help companies enforce their security policies with cloud-based protection, greater control over their devices and applications, and provide identity management as a service. Check them out on social media, including Facebook.

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OneLogin is Changing How We Think About Internet Security - HiTechChronicle