Current employees might work from their home, the office, or anywhere in between. Because of this, the bring your own device (BYOD) approach has become accepted, delivering convenience and flexibility by permitting staff members to use their personal devices for their job duties.
Securing and managing a combination of security postures, operating systems, and device types presents a major challenge for IT departments. Devices with numerous applications, which might or might not have been handled well by their owners, also present a major challenge.
Types of Devices Your BYOD Policy Allows
The first step in creating a strong BYOD policy is to outline which types of devices your employees are allowed to use at work. However, this decision is more difficult than you might think. It’s more than just compartmentalizing devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
For example, you must consider the model, manufacturer, and operating systems to guarantee that they’re compatible with the company’s software applications and current infrastructure.
It’s critical to remember that each device added to your network increases complications so regulating the device types you permit can considerably streamline management on your end. One suggestion is to restrict the scope to certain operating systems or manufacturers recognized for their compatibility with the company’s current infrastructure or security features.
Another vital aspect to consider is the updated status and age of your employees’ devices. Outdated devices can be possible security liabilities. Your BYOD policy must require that all devices used for work be kept current with the latest security patches and software.
However, this trend presents possible BYOD security threats that had not been thought of when employees worked at a company’s physical location. With BYOD becoming a vital part of hybrid and remote workplaces, you must be attentive to the main BYOD security risks and have a comprehensive BYOD policy. Executing BYOD security best practices lets you safeguard your company’s sensitive data and lessens the security risks connected with BYOD.
Devices for Work vs. Devices at Work
It’s one thing for a staff member to bring a personal device to work and use it only for personal communications. This practice can still produce risks, but the most significant security threats are associated with employees using personal devices for job tasks, whether accessing company applications or just sending work-related emails from their cell phones.
The difference is basically that in one case, employees are using their personal devices at work. On the other hand, employees are using their personal devices to perform work duties. Devices that are brought to the workplace but don’t have access to the company network aren’t typically an issue. However, due diligence is required in all cases with well-defined and strict BYOD policies.
Apply Strict Security Policies on BYOD Devices
Applying a secure BYOD policy will compel you to put into place strict security measures. Since each device that links to your network is a possible security threat, it’s critical to implement rigorous security requirements for every device under your BYOD policy.
All of the above is fundamental to data security. However, employees aren’t accustomed to having such guidelines applied to their personal devices. They might get annoyed, but if they want to link their devices to your network, you must insist.
Be sure your employees understand that firewalls and anti-virus software must have weekly scans and stay current. Your policy should clearly state that employees are responsible for keeping up the security of their devices.
Your policy must also include procedures in case your employees misplace their devices. This should preferably include the ability to remotely remove everything from their devices to stop illegal access to company data.
Moreover, you should consider compliance requirements especially if your company is part of greatly regulated industries like law and finance.
The Challenges of BYOD Security
BYOD policies bring a distinct group of challenges to organizations. Unlike business-owned devices, personal devices are usually less secure since employees might not abide by the same rigorous security measures. These devices link to both private and public networks, exposing confidential business information to possible breaches.
Main BYOD Security Risks
BYOD can produce a security risk since personal devices might not possess the same level of security controls as company-owned devices. Employees can raise that risk by using unsecured networks downloading information from questionable websites or using unsecured networks. The main security risks of BYOD include:
Unsecured networks – Employees frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which are susceptible to eavesdropping and hackers, producing a substantial threat to BYOD security.
Ambiguous security policies – Employees might not be mindful of the risks and decide to forgo company data security policies on their personal devices, putting the network in danger.
Unauthorized applications and malware – Employees can mistakenly use unauthorized applications or download malware that could jeopardize the security of business resources.
Data leakage – Data leakage is a worry with BYOD. Employees could accidentally download malevolent third-party apps that hackers could control, or unintentionally share sensitive information via unsecured channels, like cloud storage or personal email accounts.
Stolen or lost devices – Personal devices could be stolen or misplaced, possibly revealing sensitive business information to unapproved individuals.
Because of these BYOD exposures, applying tough security policies is non-negotiable.
BYOD Security Best Practices: What You Need to Know
As businesses continue to welcome the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, guaranteeing that these devices are safely managed has become a top concern.
To alleviate these risks, organizations must implement a comprehensive approach to BYOD security that not only focuses on the technical susceptibilities of mobile devices but also forms clear policies and instructs employees on best practices. Employing these best practices will let companies have the benefits of BYOD while retaining strong compliance and security.
Enforce Strong Passwords
One of the easiest ways to improve mobile device security is by making employees use unique, strong passwords or other authentication procedures like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Passwords must meet specific criteria, such as a mixture of numbers, symbols, and capital and small letters. Passwords must be updated frequently.
Additionally, a comprehensive registration and approval procedure guarantees that only official and secure devices link to the company network. Distinctly outlining acceptable use and restrictions assists in establishing employee expectations while reducing the danger of security lapses or mishandling.
Creating space for personal device usage while guaranteeing the risk profile of device use is well-matched with BYOD policy.
Use Data Encryption
Data encryption guarantees that sensitive information is illegible and jumbled to prohibited users. Even if a device is compromised, the right decryption key is necessary to crack the encrypted data.
Encryption must be applied to all business information stored on mobile devices, as well as during data transmission to avoid interception. Secure VPNs (virtual private networks) are another brilliant way to encrypt data in transit, particularly when logging onto company networks over public Wi-Fi.
Routine Device Audits
Routinely audit registered devices to detect any possible security vulnerabilities and guarantee compliance with security policies. This includes:
- Confirming the presence of security software
- Verifying the absence of unapproved applications
- Checking for any operating system updates
Use Least Privilege Access Control
Implement the standard of least privilege, allowing employees to gain access only to the resources necessary to do their job tasks. This lessens the chance of unapproved access and decreases the possibility of a security breach.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management (MDM) solutions provide a balance between total freedom for employees and total control for employers, giving the ability to secure, integrate, and deploy devices into a network and then manage and monitor those devices centrally.
Guarantee Employees Are Well-Trained in Security
Guaranteeing the triumph of a BYOD program necessitates a comprehensive security training program for your employees. Training must start with an orientation on the organization’s BYOD policy, clearly stating the types of acceptable devices, the necessary security protocols, and the penalties for noncompliance. This introductory knowledge establishes well-defined expectations and stresses the importance of obedience to your policy.
The training also must assess existing best practices for educating employees about possible risks like:
- Malicious software
- Using unsecured public networks
- Phishing
- Data security
Instruct your employees on how to act in response to these threats and stress the significance of keeping away from questionable links and using VPNs when linking to the organization’s networks from public Wi-Fi.
Finally, your training program must give a comprehensive explanation of your organization’s preferred MDM solution. Employees must know how to install and update the solution, comprehend its monitoring abilities, and understand how to use features like completely wiping their devices and remote locking.
Advanced BYOD Security with CTS Mobility
As BYOD becomes more common in the workplace, tackling BYOD security challenges is critical. Without the proper tools and policies, companies expose themselves to major risks, including malicious software infections, compliance violations, and data breaches.
Don’t wait for a security breach. Protect your BYOD setting with our managed services which include helping you manage your corporate devices. Contact us today to get started.
