Examples of Mobile Device Security Measures: 3 Practical Scenarios You Should Copy

Let’s start with the road warrior—the sales rep or project manager who basically lives in airports. This is where the best examples of mobile device security measures either shine or completely fail.

Picture this: Jordan, an account executive, carries a company‑issued iPhone and a personal Android phone. Both have corporate email, Slack, and access to internal dashboards. Jordan’s devices pass through hotel Wi‑Fi, airport USB charging ports, and rideshares every week.

Here are the real examples of mobile device security measures that keep Jordan—and your data—out of trouble.

Strong authentication and modern screen lock

Jordan’s phones use:

• A long alphanumeric passcode (12+ characters) instead of a 4‑ or 6‑digit PIN.
• Biometrics (Face ID or fingerprint) for quick unlock.
• Auto‑lock timers set to 30–60 seconds of inactivity.

This is a simple but powerful example of mobile device security measures in action. If a phone is stolen at security screening, the attacker hits a wall immediately. The FBI and NIST both emphasize strong passcodes as a foundational control for mobile devices (NIST SP 800-124 Rev. 2).

Encrypted storage and remote wipe

Both devices are enrolled in the company’s mobile device management (MDM) platform:

• Full‑disk encryption is enforced on iOS and Android.
• The company can trigger a remote wipe if a device is reported lost.
• Work apps and data sit inside a managed work profile that can be wiped without touching personal photos or messages.

These are classic examples of mobile device security measures that matter the moment something goes wrong. When Jordan realizes a phone is missing after a long‑haul flight, IT doesn’t panic—they open the MDM console, lock the device, and initiate a wipe.

Network protections: VPN, hotspot discipline, and USB hygiene

Travel exposes devices to hostile networks. Jordan’s security baseline includes:

• Always‑on VPN for corporate apps so traffic goes through the company’s secure gateway.
• A rule to avoid public Wi‑Fi for anything sensitive; Jordan uses a personal hotspot instead when possible.
• A policy to never plug into random USB charging ports (airport kiosks, hotel lamps). Instead, Jordan uses:
  • A USB data blocker (“USB condom”), or
  • A standard power outlet with the original charger.

These are underrated examples of mobile device security measures: they’re not flashy, but they dramatically reduce exposure to man‑in‑the‑middle attacks and malicious USB devices.

Mobile threat defense and phishing protection

Modern mobile attacks often arrive through messaging apps, QR codes, or “consent phishing” (malicious OAuth app approvals). Jordan’s devices run a mobile threat defense (MTD) app managed by IT. It:

• Scans for malicious apps and risky configurations.
• Flags suspicious Wi‑Fi networks.
• Integrates with corporate email and messaging tools to detect phishing links.

When Jordan receives a fake “Office 365 password reset” text while in a hotel, the link is blocked. That’s a clean example of mobile device security measures combining user behavior and automated controls.

2. Remote contractor: examples of mobile device security measures for BYOD and mixed environments

Now consider Taylor, a freelance developer working for three different clients. Taylor uses a personal Android phone and an iPad for work—classic bring your own device (BYOD) territory.

Here’s where organizations often get nervous: they don’t own the hardware, but sensitive data is absolutely flowing through these devices. The best examples of mobile device security measures for this situation are about separation and control rather than total lockdown.

App‑level controls and containerization

Instead of trying to control Taylor’s entire phone, Client A uses:

• A secure container app that holds email, calendar, chat, and document access.
• Copy/paste restrictions so data can’t be pasted from the work container into personal apps.
• Screenshot blocking for certain highly sensitive apps.

Client B goes a different route and uses Android Enterprise work profiles:

• Work apps appear in a separate, labeled section on the device.
• IT can wipe the work profile without touching personal apps, photos, or texts.

These are strong examples of mobile device security measures that balance privacy and control. They also make it easier for contractors to say yes to security policies.

Zero‑trust access and conditional policies

Taylor’s clients adopt a zero‑trust mindset: every access request is evaluated, not just the device enrollment status. Real examples include:

• Conditional access policies: If the device is rooted/jailbroken, access is blocked.
• Device health checks: Out‑of‑date OS versions or missing encryption trigger a requirement to update before access is granted.
• Per‑app VPN: Only specific work apps use the corporate VPN tunnel; personal apps stay on the regular internet.

This is a more modern example of mobile device security measures: instead of a binary “trusted/untrusted device” model, access depends on context—OS version, location, risk signals, and user role.

Strong multi‑factor authentication (MFA)

Because Taylor works for multiple clients, MFA fatigue is a real problem. Sloppy MFA setups can backfire and cause users to blindly approve prompts. Better examples of mobile device security measures for authentication include:

• Phishing‑resistant MFA such as FIDO2 security keys or platform authenticators where supported.
• Number matching in push notifications so Taylor has to confirm a specific code, not just tap “Approve.”
• App‑based authenticators (Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, Duo) instead of SMS codes, which can be vulnerable to SIM‑swap attacks.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) explicitly recommends stronger MFA methods and warns about SMS risks (CISA MFA guidance).

Data loss prevention (DLP) on mobile

Client C handles regulated data and uses DLP policies that extend to mobile:

• Blocking file downloads from sensitive SharePoint sites to mobile devices.
• Requiring documents to open only in managed apps with encryption and access controls.
• Logging and alerting on attempts to forward sensitive emails to personal accounts.

These are concrete examples of mobile device security measures that go beyond the device itself and focus on data behavior. Taylor still works comfortably, but high‑risk actions are either blocked or tightly audited.

3. Lost phone in a rideshare: examples of mobile device security measures that limit the damage

The third scenario is everyone’s nightmare: Morgan, a department head, leaves a phone in the back of a rideshare at 11 p.m. The device has:

• Corporate email and chat
• Finance dashboards
• Access to HR systems

This is where earlier planning pays off. The best examples of mobile device security measures are the ones that quietly sit in the background until a night like this.

Immediate actions enabled by prior controls

Because Morgan’s phone was enrolled in MDM and configured correctly, IT can:

• Lock the device remotely and display a contact message on the lock screen.
• Trigger a remote wipe after confirming it’s not recoverable.
• Revoke authentication tokens and app sessions so even if the lock screen is bypassed, corporate apps will demand fresh login and MFA.

These steps are textbook examples of mobile device security measures working together. Each by itself is helpful; combined, they dramatically reduce risk.

Backup, restore, and continuity

Security isn’t just about blocking attackers; it’s also about keeping the business running. Because Morgan’s device was configured with:

• Encrypted cloud backups for settings and apps.
• Cloud‑based email and document storage (no critical data only on the phone).

Morgan can pick up a replacement device, enroll it, and restore what’s needed without hunting for local files. This is a quieter example of mobile device security measures, but it matters: employees are more willing to accept strict security if they know recovery is painless.

Logging, monitoring, and incident learning

After the incident, security reviews:

• Access logs for unusual activity from Morgan’s accounts.
• Location history (if enabled and appropriate) to estimate exposure.
• MDM and MTD alerts around the time the device went missing.

This feedback loop leads to policy updates, user training tweaks, and sometimes new controls. For example, the team might:

• Shorten auto‑lock timers for executives.
• Require full‑disk encryption verification for all enrolled devices.
• Expand MTD coverage to a broader group of users.

These are less visible examples of mobile device security measures, but they strengthen the entire environment over time.

Additional real examples of mobile device security measures you should consider

Beyond the three scenarios above, there are several other real‑world examples worth copying.

Application whitelisting and store controls

Some organizations restrict installations to:

• Apps from official app stores only.
• A curated enterprise app catalog.
• Whitelisted apps for high‑risk roles (finance, executives, admins).

This shrinks the attack surface dramatically. It’s a clean example of mobile device security measures that prevent shady flashlight apps or fake banking apps from ever landing on a device.

OS and app patching discipline

Out‑of‑date operating systems and apps are low‑hanging fruit for attackers. MDM policies can:

• Enforce minimum OS versions.
• Block access for devices that haven’t installed critical security updates.
• Schedule maintenance windows and send automated reminders.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology highlights patching as a key mobile control in its mobile security guidance (NIST mobile security). This is one of the simplest examples of mobile device security measures with outsized impact.

Privacy‑aware location and permissions management

Modern mobile OSs expose a lot of sensors: location, microphone, camera, contacts, and more. Sensible examples of mobile device security measures here include:

• Requiring “only while using the app” permissions for location.
• Reviewing and revoking unused or over‑broad permissions regularly.
• Blocking certain apps from accessing contact lists or file storage on work‑profile devices.

This isn’t just about corporate security; it also protects employees from unnecessary data collection and reduces the blast radius if an app is compromised.

Pulling it together: how to choose your own best examples of mobile device security measures

If you’re designing or updating your mobile policy, don’t just copy a random checklist. Instead, use these examples of mobile device security measures as building blocks and ask three questions:

• Who are we protecting? Traveling staff, executives, contractors, frontline workers?
• What data lives on or passes through their devices? Customer PII, financials, trade secrets, PHI?
• What’s the realistic threat model? Lost/stolen devices, opportunistic malware, targeted phishing, insider misuse?

From there, prioritize:

• Strong authentication and encryption for everyone.
• MDM/EMM enrollment for any device touching sensitive data.
• MTD, DLP, and conditional access for higher‑risk roles.
• Clear incident playbooks for lost or compromised devices.

The real win comes when these examples of mobile device security measures feel like guardrails, not handcuffs. The more you can automate (patching, compliance checks, remote wipe readiness), the less friction users will feel—and the safer your data will be when somebody inevitably leaves a phone in the back of a car.

FAQ: examples of mobile device security measures

Q1. What are some common examples of mobile device security measures for small businesses?
For small businesses, practical examples include enforcing strong passcodes, enabling device encryption, using MDM to manage company email on phones, requiring MFA for all cloud apps, and turning on remote‑wipe capabilities. Adding an app‑based authenticator instead of SMS codes is an easy upgrade that significantly improves security.

Q2. Can you give an example of mobile device security measures for healthcare staff?
A realistic example for healthcare is using an MDM‑managed work profile where electronic health record (EHR) apps live in a secure container, screenshots are blocked, data is encrypted at rest, and access requires MFA. Many organizations also use DLP policies so patient data can’t be downloaded to local storage or forwarded via personal email. Healthcare security guidance from organizations like the Office for Civil Rights and HHS supports these controls under HIPAA.

Q3. Are antivirus apps still good examples of mobile device security measures in 2024?
Traditional antivirus alone is no longer enough. Better examples today are full mobile threat defense solutions that watch for malicious apps, risky networks, and device misconfigurations, and that integrate with MDM and identity systems. They complement, rather than replace, built‑in protections from iOS and Android.

Q4. What examples of policies should be in a mobile device security guideline?
A solid guideline should include examples of acceptable use, required authentication methods, rules for public Wi‑Fi and personal hotspots, minimum OS versions, app installation sources, lost/stolen device reporting steps, and what data is allowed on BYOD devices. Each of these policy items should map to specific examples of mobile device security measures, such as encryption, MDM enrollment, and conditional access.

Q5. How often should we review our mobile device security measures?
At least annually, and after any major change in your environment—like adopting a new MDM, rolling out a new collaboration app, or expanding remote work. Threats evolve quickly, so revisiting your own best examples of mobile device security measures each year keeps you aligned with current attack patterns and platform changes.