The security risks of BYOD (Bring-Your-Own-Device) policies are well-documented, but so are the benefits of it for employers and employees alike. Evidence shows that 36% of workers are noticeably more productive when they work using a personal device.
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“Using personal devices for work doesn’t inherently have to introduce security risks. The right policy and cyber measures can let you get all the benefits of this practice without the risks.” - Emil Isanov, CEO and Founder of ETech 7 |
BYOD policies also help save business owners a lot of money. There’s no need to spend on employee devices, or their maintenance. Additionally, BYOD policies make remote work policies much easier to manage, and the benefits of remote work are even greater.
Still, no list of benefits negates BYOD’s risks. If you want to reap all of its benefits, it’s important to have a proactive risk management strategy in place. This guide is here to help you mitigate risks as you implement your BYOD strategy.
The 6 Most Common BYOD Risks and Issues
1. Lost or Stolen Devices
When an employee's device is lost or stolen, confidential information may fall into the wrong hands. To mitigate this risk, enable device encryption, use remote wiping capabilities, and enforce strong password policies.
2. Data Leakage
Often, friends or family members may also use an employee’s personal device for other reasons. The problem with this practice is that they may accidentally see sensitive information on the device. Use containerization to separate personal and professional data and implement strong access controls to reduce this BYOD security risk.
3. Data Loss When an Employee Leaves
When an employee leaves the company, they might retain access to corporate data stored on their personal device. This can lead to potential data loss or misuse. To address this, ensure you have a comprehensive offboarding process that includes revoking access to company accounts and remotely wiping corporate data from personal devices.
4. Insecure Public Wi-Fi Usage
Public Wi-Fi connections are a common source of cyber attacks. The problem is that 72% of employees admit to using public Wi-Fi for work, and 55% say they do it despite company policies against it. Encourage the use of a VPN if an employee must work on public Wi-Fi. Also, educate them on the risks and how to spot a suspicious connection.
5. Unsupported Operating Systems
Employees using outdated devices might inadvertently introduce security risks to your corporate network. To combat this, enforce a policy requiring devices to run supported and up-to-date operating systems.
6. Incompatible or Malicious Apps
Employees might install apps that do not comply with your security standards or contain malware. To prevent this, use mobile device management (MDM) solutions to control app installations, provide a list of approved apps, and educate employees on recognizing and avoiding malicious applications.
How to Roll-Out a Low-Risk BYOD Policy
1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure
Start by evaluating your existing IT systems. Check if your network can handle the extra load from personal devices. Identify any security gaps and determine the upgrades needed to ensure all devices can connect securely and efficiently.
2. Define Policy Objectives
Set clear goals for your BYOD policy. For example, aim to improve employee productivity by allowing them to use familiar devices. Ensure these goals align with your company's overall business strategy, such as reducing hardware costs.
3. Develop a Comprehensive BYOD Policy
Draft a detailed policy document. Specify which devices and operating systems are permitted. Outline acceptable use, such as accessing company emails and apps, and prohibit activities like unauthorized data downloads. Include steps for reporting lost or stolen devices and the consequences of policy violations.
4. Implement Security Measures
Introduce security protocols to protect company data. Use device encryption to safeguard information. Implement VPNs for secure remote access and require multi-factor authentication for accessing sensitive data. Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor and control device usage.
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5. Educate Employees
Conduct mandatory training sessions for all employees. Explain the BYOD policy, focusing on security practices like strong password use and regular software updates. Provide clear instructions on how to report security incidents and offer ongoing support to ensure compliance.
6. Set Up IT Support
Create a dedicated IT support team to assist employees with setting up their devices, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring security compliance. Make sure the support team is easily accessible, either through a helpdesk, email, or chat system.
7. Monitor & Review
Regularly monitor device usage and security compliance. Use MDM tools to track device activity and detect any unauthorized access attempts. Schedule periodic reviews of the BYOD policy to address new security threats and technological advancements.
8. Evaluate & Improve
Gather feedback from employees and IT staff to assess the effectiveness of the BYOD policy. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement. Update the policy and training materials accordingly to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
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Protect BYOD Devices With Cybersecurity Solutions In These Areas |
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Avoid The Problems With BYOD by Working With Cyber Experts
As CloudSecureTech notes, 28.2% of workers are in a hybrid work environment and 12.7% are fully remote. This number will likely increase as younger employees enter the workforce and expect remote work policies. You can get ahead of this trend by rolling out a low-risk BYOD policy that keeps your needs in mind.
For additional assistance in the process, contact ETech 7. Our expert team of IT support, IT network, and IT consulting specialists have the skills you need to align your policy with organizational needs and general best practices.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
