Mobile learning and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) are now firmly established corporate training trends. With no sign of losing favor, they are quickly becoming the must-haves of next-generation online learning. If your organization has already embraced mobile learning or BYOD, allowing employees to access training materials anywhere, anytime on their personal devices, data security is a hot topic.

For European or global organizations, it is especially important to maintain data security vigilance now that the European Union (EU) is set to enforce the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which aims to protect all EU citizens from privacy and data breaches, in May 2018.

GDPR will not solely apply to organizations located in the EU; GDPR must be observed by all organizations that process or store the personal data of people living in the EU. Importantly, GDPR affects controllers and processors of data, which include clouds. Failure to comply with GDPR will result in heavy fines.

Now that legislation is catching up with the larger risks at stake, it is more important than ever to create a data security culture within your organization. The security of mobile learning data is greatly dependent on the security of the mobile device on which it is accessed, meaning that users need to be trained in how to keep information safe.

Here are six tips for your learners to maintain data security on mobile devices.

1.    Install a tracking app.

If your phone or tablet is lost or stolen, a tracking app can help you locate it; simply find a computer, log in and begin tracking. Remember to also set up any phone-locating software that comes with your device.

2.    Install authorized anti-malware software.

These days, cybercriminals are sophisticated, so if you do not have anti-malware software installed, your information is unprotected. To avoid mobile device threats, install authorized anti-malware software, and check for updates on a routine basis.

3.    Avoid dubious websites or chat rooms.

You usually know when you find one. Always avoid accessing suspect download websites or chat rooms, because they can spread viruses that harm or degrade the performance of your mobile device and learning content.

4.    Secure your internet connection.

Make sure the internet connection to your mobile device is safe and secure. An unsecure Wi-Fi connection can make your personal information subject to cyberattacks. Ensure your connection is password-protected using a password that is not easy to guess.

5.    Use biometric access options.

You can prevent unauthorized access to your mobile learning content using user IDs and passwords. Better yet, if your mobile device provides biometric access, such as fingerprint touch ID, use this option instead, because login credentials can easily be compromised.

6.    Provide best practice training.

If your organization provides mobile devices for learners to access mobile learning, offer thorough training in data security and safety best practices. Many people overlook simple security compromises, such as accessing confidential information while on a public transportation commute, where others can easily gain visibility.