As remote work and mobile device usage increase, protecting sensitive data on mobile platforms has become a priority for organizations. Mobile devices often present vulnerabilities for DLP software due to their portability, access to cloud systems, and various apps (Figure 1). This article discusses the top 10 mobile DLP best practices alongside real-world case studies to showcase effective implementation.
This article provides top best practices and case studies to help organizations implement effective mobile DLP through their DLP solutions.
To find the right DLP solution for your business, consider endpoint DLP software.
Figure 1. Most common risky end-user behavior worldwide1
Best practices with case studies
1. Enforce Device Encryption and Secure Access Controls
Best Practice: To enhance security, it is crucial to encrypt mobile devices to ensure data remains unreadable in the event of theft. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) alongside strong password policies provides an additional layer of protection when accessing corporate applications and data.
Additionally, integrating mobile device management (MDM) solutions helps enforce encryption and access rules across all devices.
Case Study: Healthcare Sector
A U.S.-based healthcare provider adopted MDM to enforce full-disk encryption and multi-factor authentication on all employee smartphones and tablets. This initiative resulted in zero data leaks during a phishing campaign, which previously exposed sensitive patient data.
Key Outcome: Data remained protected, aligning with HIPAA compliance standards.
2. Implement Application-Based DLP Controls
Best Practice: To safeguard sensitive information, it is essential to limit or monitor its transfer through mobile apps such as email, file-sharing, or collaboration tools. Implementing data loss prevention (DLP) rules can further restrict the unauthorized sharing of sensitive data across unmanaged apps.
Case Study: Financial Services Firm
A large European bank implemented app-based DLP policies to monitor and block the unauthorized sharing of customer data on mobile email apps. Using containerization, they isolated corporate email and files from personal apps.
Key Outcome: A 45% decrease in unauthorized file-sharing incidents and improved GDPR compliance.
3. Monitor and Secure Data Transfers on Mobile Networks
Best Practice: To protect data in transit, particularly over public Wi-Fi and unsecured networks, it is important to implement robust monitoring mechanisms. Deploying virtual private networks (VPNs) ensures secure data transfer between mobile devices and corporate servers. Real-time monitoring of outbound traffic can help identify and mitigate potential data leaks, enhancing overall security.
Case Study: Remote Workforce Transformation
A global tech company rolled out a mobile DLP solution with VPN enforcement and real-time monitoring for its 5,000 remote employees. The solution prevented unauthorized data transfers over unsecured Wi-Fi networks during business trips.
Key Outcome: The company reduced mobile data breaches by 60% within a year.
4. Establish Policies for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
Best Practice: Establishing a BYOD policy with strict guidelines on acceptable use and security measures is critical for managing personal devices in the workplace. To maintain security without compromising user privacy, ensure that data loss prevention (DLP) tools are capable of monitoring personal devices discreetly.
Case Study: Retail Chain
A nationwide retail organization implemented a BYOD policy requiring employees to install company-approved DLP software and perform regular device audits. Using an MDM-integrated DLP solution, they ensured sensitive data like credit card information remained secure.
Key Outcome: BYOD-related data leaks dropped by 50%, and employee satisfaction improved due to privacy-focused controls.
5. Use AI-Driven Mobile DLP for Threat Detection
Best Practice: Integrating AI and machine learning tools into mobile device security allows for the identification of anomalous behaviors, such as unauthorized downloads or suspicious file transfers.
By leveraging predictive analytics, organizations can proactively mitigate insider threats and prevent accidental data leaks. Automating responses—such as blocking compromised devices or alerting administrators in real time—enhances the speed and efficiency of threat management.
Case Study: Multinational Manufacturing Company
A leading manufacturing company adopted AI-powered DLP for its fleet of mobile devices. The system detected abnormal activity, such as unauthorized file transfers outside the corporate VPN, and automatically restricted access.
Key Outcome: AI detection prevented potential data leaks in real time, saving the company millions in breach-related costs.
6. Enforce Strong Encryption for Mobile Devices
Best Practice: Mobile DLP solutions must prioritize encryption to protect sensitive data stored on devices and transferred between apps or networks. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) protocols, such as 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, are effective in mitigating data leaks.
Case Study: ScienceSoft – Cross-Platform Encryption Tool
ScienceSoft worked with a Swedish IT company to develop an AES-based mobile encryption solution compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Using Xamarin and Bouncy Castle cryptography, the solution ensured robust protection of files stored on mobile devices.
Users could securely decrypt files for viewing or editing, safeguarding data even when accessed remotely. The company’s focus on encryption highlighted its ability to prevent unauthorized data access across platforms while maintaining usability.
7. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Best Practice:
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is an effective strategy for mobile DLP, ensuring that access to sensitive data is granted based on an individual’s job responsibilities.
By assigning specific permissions to roles rather than individuals, organizations can simplify access management, minimize unauthorized access, and reduce the risk of data breaches. RBAC enhances security by adhering to the principle of least privilege, granting users access only to the information required for their role.
Case Study: IBM MaaS360 – RBAC for a Healthcare Provider
A healthcare organization deployed IBM MaaS360 with RBAC to protect patient data across a mobile workforce. By defining roles based on job functions such as physicians, administrative staff, and IT personnel, the organization restricted access to sensitive medical records and operational data.
RBAC ensured that clinicians could securely access patient data through approved applications, while administrative staff had permissions tailored to their duties. This implementation enhanced regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA) and significantly reduced the likelihood of accidental or intentional data exposure from mobile devices.
8. Implement Endpoint Security Solutions
Best Practice: Mobile endpoints, such as smartphones and tablets, are among the top threat vectors for data loss. Endpoint DLP solutions that monitor and block unauthorized transfers of sensitive data can significantly reduce breaches.
Case Study: Symantec DLP for Mobile – Global Enterprise Deployment
A global enterprise implemented Symantec’s Endpoint DLP solution to secure its mobile workforce. The solution monitored all endpoints for data movement, flagging unauthorized sharing of sensitive information and ensuring encryption on external transfers.
Symantec’s tool also allowed administrators to create granular policies for managing data across employee devices, reducing the risk of insider threats.
9. Regularly Audit and Update Mobile Security Policies
Best Practice: Organizations must continually audit mobile DLP strategies to adapt to emerging threats. This includes reviewing BYOD policies, updating security software, and conducting employee training on secure mobile practices.
Case Study: Microsoft Intune for Secure Mobile Access
A large healthcare organization adopted Microsoft Intune to enforce mobile DLP policies. Intune allowed IT teams to implement conditional access rules, encrypt sensitive healthcare data, and monitor devices for compliance.
Regular audits revealed areas for improvement, prompting updates to their mobile security framework. This ensured secure handling of patient data while enabling healthcare workers to access systems from their personal devices.
10. Integrate Cloud-Based DLP with Mobile Solutions
Best Practice: Cloud-based DLP tools enable seamless integration between mobile environments and organizational networks. These solutions help monitor sensitive data transfers and enforce security policies across mobile and cloud ecosystems.
Case Study: Netskope for Mobile and Cloud DLP
A multinational retailer deployed Netskope’s Cloud DLP to secure data shared via mobile devices and cloud applications. The platform provided real-time visibility into data flows across mobile endpoints and cloud storage.
By integrating mobile and cloud DLP, the retailer minimized risks from unauthorized data access while maintaining productivity. Netskope’s solution enabled the company to protect sensitive financial and customer information efficiently.
FAQs
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What is mobile DLP?
Mobile DLP (Data Loss Prevention) is a strategy that protects sensitive data on mobile devices by implementing robust security policies and technologies. It integrates with mobile device management (MDM) to monitor and control data access, preventing data leakage and ensuring compliance with security standards.
Mobile DLP solutions, such as DLP software, classify and encrypt data, define granular access controls, and provide monitoring to secure data in a mobile environment. This approach helps organizations protect critical business information, manage devices, and maintain data security across networks, ultimately safeguarding sensitive information from data loss and unauthorized access.
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Which devices support endpoint DLP?
Endpoint DLP (Data Loss Prevention) supports a variety of devices to ensure comprehensive data security across an organization’s infrastructure. This includes desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Endpoint DLP solutions are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and various mobile OS platforms. These solutions provide data classification, encryption, and monitoring capabilities to protect sensitive data, prevent data leakage, and ensure compliance with security policies across all supported devices.
Further reading
- Cloud DLP
- Network DLP
- Email DLP
- Top 10 Device Control Software: Review-based Analysis
- LLM DLP Guide, 12 Best Practices & Techniques
- Tackling Critical Data Protection Challenges in 2024
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