Mobile data connectivity and IoT devices have become an everyday necessity in our personal lives and for business. These devices have evolved from just a device to essential tools for communication and work. It is staggering to think that mobile and IoT devices account for half of the web traffic worldwide. With so much data and information being shared online, and the need for connectivity from anywhere and at any time, it is essential to ensure that all data and connectivity solutions implemented are safe and secure. Let’s look at how MNOs and MVNOs can provide data and connectivity solutions that focus on providing safe and secure connectivity and data management to customers.
Why is a secure mobile data network important?
There is no doubt that mobile and IoT device use has increased dramatically over the last few years. Mobile adoption, especially across developing economies, is on the rise. This is due to the often inadequate infrastructure and financial restraints experienced in many emerging markets. Smartphones and IoT devices offer inclusion and more efficient ways of running businesses. Several markets within this space are often referred to as mobile-first online populations. These include India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. In these markets, mobile accounts for over half of the web traffic, while in The United States, mobile makes up 52 percent of online traffic.
With such a reliance on technology across the globe, comes risks. One of the most significant risks relates to data security. Every day, there are criminals trying to access mobile networks to take advantage of those using the network. When a network is not adequately secured, it opens itself up for data loss, theft and sabotage, which can significantly impact your customer.
Data breaches are incredibly costly for businesses. A recent report calculated the average cost of a data breach, which included direct expenses, such as customer service support, credit monitoring subscriptions and potential settlements, as well as indirect costs, including in-house investigations, customer churn due to the breaches and more. The results were staggering, stating that:
- The average total cost of a ransomware breach is $4.62 million, slightly higher than the average data breach of $4.24 million.
- An average of 4,800 websites a month are compromised with form jacking code.
- 71% of breaches are financially motivated.
- It took an average of 287 days to identify a data breach.
- An average data breach costs $1 million more when working remote contributed to the breach.
- Organisations with more than 60 percent of employees working remotely had a higher average data breach cost than those without remote workers.
- When organisations did not adapt their IT to cope with the pandemic or make other similar changes, the average cost of a breach was $5.01 million, in comparison to the overall global average of $4.24 million.
From the above, it is clear that the risk associated with mobile data and connectivity is extensive. As a Telco, it is up to you to ensure that you have the correct measures, security systems and software solutions in place. These solutions should enhance data and connectivity protection as well as the safety of your customers and their data.
How to manage access to a mobile network to enhance security for your customers?
Above, we mentioned how it is a Telco’s responsibility to ensure that their mobile network and the data and connectivity solutions they provide to their customers are protected and secure. The question is, how does a Telco ensure this? The answer lies in having the correct security measures in place.
For example, when investing in a data and connectivity solution, a Telco should look at the software that enables the following:
- Device verification –Â pre-authentication of devices before allowing these devices to connect to the mobile network
- IP Pool Management – ability to segment customers’ connectivity and data traffic as well as the capability to apply business rules across different areas within their organisation.
- SMS and OTP authentication – these two protection-based mechanisms enable authorised personnel to access customer data.
- Geo-lock and SIM lock for devices – these two features enable enterprise customers to block suspicious activities and devices to protect data and stop criminals from accessing critical information.
Telcos can also utilise solutions that allow their customers to restrict mobile data network access on their side. The feature empowers the customer to have direct supervision over traffic control, quality of service and bandwidth usage to stop data and connectivity abuses.
Mobile data connectivity flexibility and how this impacts security
From the above, it is clear that there are several ways in which Telcos can enhance the protection of their data and connectivity services. The challenge remains in the ability to cater to various security needs and requirements of customers across industry verticals.Â
Not all businesses are the same, and their mobile data and connectivity needs differ. So how can a Telco cater to many different needs while ensuring data protection? The answer lies in providing flexible data and connectivity management solutions, like the one developed by Adapt IT Telecoms.
This particular data and connectivity management solution allows a Telco to tailor customers’ solutions to their unique data and connectivity needs using one consolidated platform. This solution has several distinct features that will provide customers complete control over their data and connectivity requirements.
With this widely deployed technology, Telco customers will be empowered with more control over their mobile data, consumption and data allocation. Thus, it also allows for authentication, authorisation and accounts for customer network access. With this solution, a customer can allocate and authenticate users on the network, and what they can and cannot do. The solution also supplies alerts for suspicious activity, breaches in network usage, data abuse and more. For more on this innovative and flexible data and connectivity management solution, take a look here.Â
Conclusion
With the increased adoption of mobile and IoT device use comes a reliance and need for secure data and connectivity. Telcos are positioned to provide these services to their customers, but choosing the right solution, especially where security and data protection are concerned, is always challenging. Breaches in data protection can cost a business millions in damages. As a result, it is essential to have solutions that comply with all safety and protection requirements, as well as those that are flexible in their deployment to meet the diverse data and connectivity needs of consumers. Adapt IT Telecoms data and connectivity management solution does all of this and more. Take a look at what this flexible and agile solution has to offer here.
Offer new revenue streams and reduce customer churn
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In my 20+ years’ experience within the information technology and telecommunications industry, I have assisted businesses in successfully delivering and managing various technology solutions and consulting projects to a multitude of organisations spanning across Telecoms, FMCG, Financial Services, Banking, Retail, ICT, Manufacturing, Public Sector and Mining. My strength and passion lies in the mediation of technology and business with a focus on successfully integrating software solutions that assist organisations in delivering on their strategic objectives through improved business insight to ultimately improve business performance. At Adapt IT I am privileged to work with an experienced team that is equally passionate about utilising technology to drive business efficiencies specifically focusing on Mobility.
