CompTIA A+ 1202 Objective 2.8: Given a Scenario, Apply Common Methods for Securing Mobile Devices

•45 min read•CompTIA A+ Core 2 Certification

CompTIA A+ Exam Focus: This objective covers essential mobile device security methods including hardening techniques, patch management, endpoint security software, locator applications, remote management capabilities, and policies and procedures. You'll need to understand how to secure mobile devices in both personal and enterprise environments, including the differences between BYOD and corporate-owned device management. These concepts are crucial for IT professionals managing mobile device security in modern business environments.

Hardening Techniques

Mobile device hardening involves implementing multiple layers of security to protect devices from various threats. These techniques form the foundation of mobile device security.

Device Encryption

Full Device Encryption:

  • iOS Encryption: Built-in hardware encryption with Data Protection
  • Android Encryption: File-based encryption (FBE) and full-disk encryption (FDE)
  • Hardware Security: Uses device-specific encryption keys
  • Automatic Encryption: Encrypts data automatically when device is locked
  • Key Management: Secure key storage in hardware security modules

Encryption Benefits:

  • Data Protection: Protects data if device is lost or stolen
  • Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements for data protection
  • Forensic Resistance: Makes data recovery difficult without proper keys
  • Transparent Operation: Works seamlessly with user applications
  • Performance Impact: Minimal impact on device performance

Screen Locks

Screen locks provide the first line of defense for mobile devices, preventing unauthorized access when devices are not in use.

Facial Recognition

Face ID (iOS) / Face Unlock (Android):
  • 3D Mapping: Creates detailed 3D map of user's face
  • Infrared Technology: Uses IR sensors for depth perception
  • Liveness Detection: Prevents spoofing with photos or masks
  • Attention Awareness: Requires user to look at device
  • Fallback Options: PIN or password as backup authentication

PIN Codes

Personal Identification Numbers:
  • Numeric Codes: 4-8 digit numeric combinations
  • Quick Access: Fast and convenient authentication
  • Device-Specific: PIN tied to specific device
  • Local Storage: Stored securely on device hardware
  • Brute Force Protection: Account lockout after failed attempts

Fingerprint

Touch ID / Fingerprint Scanner:
  • Biometric Authentication: Uses unique fingerprint characteristics
  • Multiple Fingers: Can register multiple fingerprints
  • Secure Enclave: Biometric data stored in secure hardware
  • Fast Recognition: Quick authentication process
  • Fallback Authentication: PIN or password as backup

Pattern

Pattern Unlock (Android):
  • Grid Pattern: Connect dots in specific pattern
  • Visual Authentication: User draws pattern on screen
  • Minimum Length: Requires minimum number of dots
  • Complexity Options: Can create complex patterns
  • Fallback Methods: PIN or password as alternative

Swipe

Swipe to Unlock:
  • Simple Gesture: Basic swipe gesture to unlock
  • Minimal Security: Provides basic access control
  • Quick Access: Fastest unlock method
  • Limited Protection: Minimal security against unauthorized access
  • Legacy Method: Older, less secure unlock method

Configuration Profiles

Mobile Device Management Profiles:

  • iOS Configuration Profiles: XML-based configuration files
  • Android Enterprise: Managed device configurations
  • Security Settings: Enforce security policies and settings
  • App Restrictions: Control which apps can be installed
  • Network Settings: Configure Wi-Fi, VPN, and network access

Profile Components:

  • Certificate Management: Install and manage digital certificates
  • Email Configuration: Configure corporate email accounts
  • Wi-Fi Settings: Pre-configure Wi-Fi networks
  • VPN Configuration: Set up VPN connections
  • App Management: Control app installation and usage

Patch Management

Regular patch management is essential for maintaining mobile device security by addressing known vulnerabilities and improving system stability.

OS Updates

Operating System Updates:

  • iOS Updates: Regular iOS updates from Apple
  • Android Updates: Android system updates and security patches
  • Security Patches: Critical security vulnerability fixes
  • Feature Updates: New features and functionality
  • Bug Fixes: Stability and performance improvements

Update Management:

  • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic OS updates
  • Manual Updates: Manual update checking and installation
  • Update Scheduling: Schedule updates during off-hours
  • Update Verification: Verify successful update installation
  • Rollback Procedures: Procedures for rolling back problematic updates

Application Updates

App Store Updates:

  • App Store (iOS): Updates through Apple App Store
  • Google Play (Android): Updates through Google Play Store
  • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic app updates
  • Update Notifications: Notify users of available updates
  • Version Management: Track app versions and update status

Third-Party App Updates:

  • Enterprise Apps: Update corporate applications
  • Side-loaded Apps: Update apps installed outside app stores
  • Beta Updates: Manage beta and testing versions
  • Update Policies: Establish app update policies
  • Compatibility Testing: Test updates before deployment

Endpoint Security Software

Endpoint security software provides additional protection layers for mobile devices beyond built-in security features.

Antivirus

Mobile Antivirus Solutions:

  • Real-time Scanning: Continuous monitoring for threats
  • Malware Detection: Identify and block malicious software
  • App Scanning: Scan apps before installation
  • Web Protection: Block malicious websites and downloads
  • Performance Impact: Minimal impact on device performance

Anti-malware

Malware Protection:

  • Threat Detection: Advanced threat detection capabilities
  • Behavioral Analysis: Analyze app behavior for suspicious activity
  • Sandboxing: Isolate potentially malicious apps
  • Threat Intelligence: Use global threat intelligence feeds
  • Remediation: Remove detected malware and threats

Content Filtering

Web and App Filtering:

  • Web Filtering: Block inappropriate or malicious websites
  • App Filtering: Control which apps can be accessed
  • Category-based Filtering: Filter content by categories
  • Time-based Restrictions: Apply filters during specific times
  • User-specific Policies: Customize filtering for different users

Locator Applications

Locator applications help track and locate lost or stolen mobile devices, providing both security and recovery capabilities.

Find My Device Features

Device Location Services:

  • GPS Tracking: Use GPS to locate device
  • Network Location: Use Wi-Fi and cellular networks for location
  • Last Known Location: Show last known location before going offline
  • Location History: Track device movement over time
  • Privacy Controls: Control location sharing and privacy

Find My (iOS) / Find My Device (Android):

  • Remote Location: Locate device from web interface
  • Play Sound: Make device play sound to help locate it
  • Lost Mode: Display contact information on lock screen
  • Erase Device: Remotely erase all data on device
  • Offline Finding: Use other devices to help locate lost device

Remote Wipes

Remote wipe capabilities allow administrators to securely erase data from lost or stolen devices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Remote Wipe Types

Wipe Capabilities:

  • Full Device Wipe: Erase all data and restore to factory settings
  • Selective Wipe: Erase only corporate data while preserving personal data
  • Account Wipe: Remove only specific account data
  • App Wipe: Remove only corporate applications and data
  • Encryption Key Wipe: Erase encryption keys to make data unreadable

Remote Wipe Triggers

  • Manual Trigger: Administrator-initiated remote wipe
  • Failed Authentication: Wipe after multiple failed login attempts
  • Device Compromise: Wipe when device compromise is detected
  • Employee Termination: Wipe when employee leaves organization
  • Policy Violation: Wipe for security policy violations

Remote Backup Applications

Remote backup applications ensure that important data is safely stored and can be recovered in case of device loss, damage, or data corruption.

Backup Solutions

Cloud Backup Services:

  • iCloud (iOS): Apple's cloud backup and sync service
  • Google Drive (Android): Google's cloud storage and backup
  • OneDrive: Microsoft's cloud storage service
  • Dropbox: Third-party cloud storage solution
  • Enterprise Solutions: Corporate cloud backup services

Backup Types:

  • Full Backup: Complete device backup including all data
  • Incremental Backup: Backup only changed data since last backup
  • Selective Backup: Backup only specific data types or folders
  • Automatic Backup: Scheduled automatic backups
  • Manual Backup: User-initiated backup operations

Failed Log-in Attempts Restrictions

Failed login attempt restrictions protect devices from brute force attacks and unauthorized access attempts.

Account Lockout Policies

Lockout Mechanisms:

  • Attempt Threshold: Set maximum number of failed attempts
  • Lockout Duration: Time period device remains locked
  • Progressive Delays: Increasing delays between attempts
  • Permanent Lockout: Permanent lockout after excessive attempts
  • Administrative Override: Admin ability to unlock device

Security Features:

  • Biometric Lockout: Disable biometric authentication after failed attempts
  • PIN/Password Only: Require PIN or password after lockout
  • Data Protection: Enhanced data protection during lockout
  • Notification: Notify user of lockout status
  • Recovery Options: Provide recovery methods for locked devices

Policies and Procedures

Comprehensive policies and procedures ensure consistent mobile device security across the organization and help manage the complexities of modern mobile device environments.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

MDM Solutions:

  • Microsoft Intune: Microsoft's cloud-based MDM solution
  • VMware Workspace ONE: Unified endpoint management platform
  • IBM MaaS360: Enterprise mobile device management
  • MobileIron: Mobile security and management platform
  • Citrix Endpoint Management: Comprehensive endpoint management

MDM Capabilities:

  • Device Enrollment: Register and manage devices
  • Policy Enforcement: Apply security policies to devices
  • App Management: Control app installation and usage
  • Remote Management: Remotely configure and manage devices
  • Compliance Monitoring: Monitor device compliance with policies

BYOD vs. Corporate-Owned Devices

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device):

  • Personal Ownership: Employees own and use personal devices
  • Cost Savings: Reduced hardware costs for organization
  • User Satisfaction: Users familiar with their own devices
  • Privacy Concerns: Balance between corporate security and personal privacy
  • Limited Control: Less control over device configuration

Corporate-Owned Devices:

  • Organization Ownership: Company owns and manages devices
  • Full Control: Complete control over device configuration
  • Standardization: Consistent device types and configurations
  • Higher Security: Enhanced security through full management
  • Higher Costs: Increased hardware and management costs

Policy Considerations

Security Policies:

  • Acceptable Use: Define acceptable use of mobile devices
  • Data Classification: Classify data and define protection requirements
  • Access Control: Define access control requirements
  • Incident Response: Procedures for security incidents
  • Compliance Requirements: Meet regulatory compliance needs

Mobile Device Security Best Practices:

  • Multi-layered Security: Implement multiple security layers
  • Regular Updates: Keep OS and apps updated
  • User Education: Train users on mobile security
  • Policy Enforcement: Consistently enforce security policies
  • Monitoring: Monitor devices for security events
  • Incident Response: Have plans for security incidents
  • Regular Audits: Conduct regular security assessments

Exam Preparation Tips

Key Areas to Focus On:

  • Hardening Techniques: Know different screen lock methods and their security levels
  • Encryption: Understand device encryption and its importance
  • Patch Management: Know the importance of OS and app updates
  • Endpoint Security: Understand antivirus, anti-malware, and content filtering
  • Remote Management: Know locator apps, remote wipe, and backup capabilities
  • MDM Solutions: Understand mobile device management concepts
  • BYOD vs. Corporate: Know the differences and implications of each approach

Practice Scenarios:

  1. Configure security settings for a corporate-owned mobile device
  2. Implement BYOD policies for a small business
  3. Set up remote wipe capabilities for lost devices
  4. Configure MDM for enterprise mobile device management
  5. Implement mobile device hardening techniques
  6. Develop mobile device security policies and procedures

Summary

CompTIA A+ 1202 Objective 2.8 covers essential mobile device security methods including hardening techniques, patch management, endpoint security software, locator applications, remote management capabilities, and comprehensive policies and procedures. These concepts are crucial for IT professionals managing mobile device security in modern business environments. Master these topics through hands-on practice and real-world scenarios to excel both on the exam and in your IT security career. Remember that effective mobile device security requires a comprehensive approach combining technical controls, user education, and proper policy management.

Previous: Objective 2.7 Workstation Security Hardening

Next: Objective 2.9 Data Destruction Disposal