Lately, bring your own device (BYOD) policies are a growing concern for businesses. If not managed properly, these can pose security risks to your organization. How can you mitigate the risks asSOCiated with the BYOD trend?
Whether your employees are using smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you need a BYOD security policy. Additionally, you need to be aware of the key BYOD security risks:
To mitigate risks, it’s important to devise a BYOD security policy that works for the needs of your business as well as the needs of your employees. Here are some tips:
Prevent unauthorized access to company data by enforcing the use of passwords on all BYOD devices. Passwords should be long and unique.
Blacklisting involves prohibiting the installation of certain applications on BYOD devices that are used for work purposes. This includes applications such as file sharing and Social Networking apps. The simplest way to blacklist applications is through a mobile device management platform that enables IT administrators to secure and enforce policies on enrolled devices.
Adopt the principle of least privilege on both BYOD and company devices. This means that a user can access only the data and software required to do their job. This can reduce the effects of certain types of malware and limit the fallout in the event of a data breach.
Protect BYOD devices with reputable Antivirus Software to identify and stop threats before making changes to the device. This is vital for protecting mission-critical data and avoiding downtime.
A well-thought-out BYOD policy can go a long way toward minimizing the risk of a security breach. Still, if something manages to slip past your defenses, you need a process in place for restoring your data to its former state. Have a comprehensive backup strategy to ensure that any data stored locally on a BYOD device can be quickly recovered.
The vast majority of BYOD-related security risks involve human error. In Fact, according to Microsoft, 81% of all security breaches are due to password reuse. It is important to educate your employees about proper mobile safety by getting your staff Security Awareness Training is the key because this includes how to spot apps that could contain malware, sharing security threat updates, and teaching them how to secure their devices by going beyond default security settings.
It’s also a great idea to work with an IT partner like us. As experts, we keep tabs on the latest trends and innovations related to BYOD and recommend solutions that work for your company. Contact us today to see how we can help.