One big plus to updating legacy applications for browser-based use is that you continue working with software your company knows and trusts. The problem is, there are many other applications out there that aren't secure and will put your enterprise in danger.
Knowing some of the tell-tale signs of suspicious apps is crucial to growing device use at your company, especially as part of a BYOD plan. Here are some tips for finding only trustworthy applications:
- Stick to the official store/site: This is obvious, but you should make sure that any apps your employees use for work come from reputable sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play, as opposed to an unverified third party site. It's certainly not a guarantee that you'll be safe, but it's a start.
- Raise awareness about scam messages: Facebook's Messenger App has been criticized for collecting too much information from users and essentially functioning as spyware. But even aside from this, ABC news source WJLA recently reported on fake third-party messages that trick users into downloading malware. Create a skeptical culture of users that questions messages and downloads apps only after careful consideration.
- Beware the Windows Store: How-to Geek published an article last month on the immense amount of scam apps targeting Windows Phone users. According to them, Microsoft has since cleaned up the store somewhat, but it's still wise to be careful. Popular apps are especially likely to be copied by scammers, so make sure your employees are picking the right one: Scammers have been known to copy logos and names.
- Read app descriptions: If something about the app's information or image seems off, it's a good sign that you might be looking at a fake.
Of course, one way to bypass all of this is to focus on using a browser emulator for legacy applications, which will save your workers the trouble of having to find trustworthy programs.