Security is the most important consideration preventing many companies from adopting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) due to the elevated chances of security breaches on personal devices. Properly identifying and addressing these issues can reduce the challenges inherent to BYOD.
The biggest business risks to BYOD policy include:
Data Leakage and Loss: Even when employees are doing simple tasks like logging in or sending an email, there’s always a risk of a breach due to differences in security settings across different operating systems and device types. Plus, when personal devices are used for both work and personal tasks with proper security protocols in place, employees can share documents accidentally with contacts outside of work—one message or attachment containing sensitive data can have a significant impact on your business.
Device Infection: When employees use their own devices, they have the freedom to do whatever they want with their technology. If they want to download and run a questionable application, they can. If they open a piece of malware on their personal email, I can expose company resources to significant risks.
With these security risks top of mind, you can help manage them by implementing proper security measures:
Application Control: If you use a specific application for your company, you can privatize it on smartphone app stores so it only shows to employees. This step helps reduce the risk of malware because the app isn’t exposed to the broader user base. Additionally, you can request that employees not install any programs from unauthorized sources without first approving it through your IT team.
Containerization: To help avoid unapproved app downloads, organizations can implement containerization which is the method of dividing one device into two. Each part of the phone has its own passwords and protected environments ensuring personal activities are kept separate from work responsibilities.
Remote Administration: Implement a Mobile Device Management (MDM) to manage any files that can allow organizations to monitor, configure, and enforce policies on mobile devices to ensure they are used in a secure matter. Having MDM will allow you to remove any files from that user's mobile device in case of theft or if an employee leaves the organization so your data stays secure.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Training helps employees understand the threats that company data faces and their roles in protecting it. At the end of each course, employees will know what they need to do to identify potential risks, follow the company’s cybersecurity plans, and help keep data safe.
When considering BYOD security, you need to make sure the plan is set up correctly and actively managed through OS updates, device upgrades, and any other changes impacting employee devices. The team at PCS will work with you to implement and maintain a secure BYOD policy for your organization.
Contact PCS for a free 30-minute IT consultation today.