Effective device audits begin with a clear scope and consistent methodology. Start by defining which smartphone and tablet models, operating system versions, and user groups will be included. Record device ownership (corporate, BYOD), endpoint management status, and the roles associated with sensitive data or payments. An initial inventory simplifies tracking of compliance gaps and prioritizes remediation. Include privacy-impact considerations and ensure the audit captures both technical settings (encryption, authentication) and user behavior patterns that contribute to risk.

How should teams check authentication and biometrics?

Review authentication policies to ensure strong methods are enforced across devices. Where possible, require device passcodes of adequate complexity and timeouts for lock screens. Evaluate biometric enrollment processes and fallback mechanisms: biometrics can improve usability, but teams must verify that backups and secondary authentication (PINs or passwords) meet organizational standards. Confirm multi-factor authentication is used for high-risk applications and administrative access. Log failed attempts and analyze them for suspicious activity to detect targeted attacks on authentication systems.

How to verify device encryption and backups?

Verify full-disk or file-based encryption settings on devices and confirm encryption keys are managed according to policy. For corporate devices, ensure encryption is enabled by default and cannot be disabled by users. Review backup configurations—both local and cloud—and validate that backups are encrypted in transit and at rest. Periodically test restores to confirm data integrity. Backups are essential for recovery after device loss or malware incidents, so document retention periods and access controls for backup stores to align with privacy and compliance requirements.

What to inspect for malware and phishing defenses?

Assess endpoint protection tools and anti-malware posture on each device class. Confirm scanning schedules, threat intelligence updates, and sandboxing policies for untrusted apps. Evaluate email and messaging protections to reduce successful phishing attempts, including link analysis, attachment scanning, and domain-blocking lists. Train users on recognizing suspicious content and monitor security telemetry for attempted compromises. Maintain a process to quarantine affected devices and perform forensic analysis to understand infection vectors and prevent recurrence.

How to review app permissions and updates?

Conduct an app permissions review to ensure installed applications request only necessary access. Revoke or replace apps that demand broad permissions unrelated to their function. Check for sideloaded or unverified apps and enforce app store policies where appropriate. Track system and application updates—ensure update policies push critical patches promptly and that update failures are reported. Regular patching reduces exposure to known vulnerabilities; include a verification step in the audit that confirms the latest security updates are applied across the device fleet.

How to secure payments, privacy, and compliance?

If devices handle payments or sensitive personal data, verify that payment flows use tokenization and secure channels, and that payment apps meet required certifications. Check privacy settings to limit data collection and sharing, and confirm consent mechanisms are in place. Map regulatory obligations (such as data protection laws or industry standards) to device controls and document compliance evidence. Include endpoint logging and retention policies that support auditability without exposing unnecessary personal information, balancing forensic needs with privacy principles.

How can threat intel and endpoint monitoring improve audits?

Integrate threat intelligence feeds and device telemetry into the audit to detect emerging risks and anomalous behavior. Correlate logs from endpoints, corporate networks, and mobile management consoles to identify lateral movement or targeted campaigns. Use indicators of compromise to prioritize patching and user outreach. Establish a feedback loop so intelligence findings update device policies, access controls, and training materials. Ongoing monitoring turns a one-time audit into a continuous improvement process that adapts to new threats.

Device audits should culminate in a prioritized action plan: patching schedules, permission adjustments, configuration changes, and user training. Maintain documentation of findings, decisions, and remediation timelines, and run follow-up checks to confirm fixes. Regular audits reduce the attack surface while preserving usability for teams that depend on smartphones and other devices.

In summary, a practical checklist guides teams through authentication, encryption, malware protections, app permissions, updates, backups, endpoint monitoring, payments, compliance, and threat intelligence. Treat audits as iterative: combine technical assessments with user-focused controls to sustain privacy and security across the device fleet.