Currently, 31% of Canadians work remotely and 47% work in a hybrid office. This is a huge jump when you consider that only 7% of Canadians worked remotely in 2016. While remote work has its benefits, it also has its risks. Many of which are the same risks of BYOD policies that would exist regardless of location.
| “There’s nothing inherently more or less secure about BYOD devices in and of themselves. It’s all about how you protect them. Just like any other work device.” – Balaji Selvaraj, Director of IT, Sunco Communication & Installation |
The reason why BYOD security risks have become a greater concern recently is because most remote work arrangements follow BYOD policies. Economically, this makes sense. It’s much more affordable for a company to let employees use their own devices than it is to send company ones.
If your business is using, or considering, this option, this article is for you. We’ll discuss the biggest security risks of BYOD and what you can do to prevent them.
What Are The Benefits of Choosing a BYOD Policy?
Choosing a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy offers several benefits for businesses, enhancing both operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Firstly, it reduces costs significantly. Businesses save money as they do not have to purchase or maintain a large inventory of devices. Employees use their own devices, which they are already familiar with, leading to higher productivity and fewer technology-related delays.
Additionally, a BYOD policy can boost employee satisfaction. Employees appreciate the flexibility and trust shown by their employers, which can lead to increased loyalty and job satisfaction. This flexibility allows employees to work more comfortably and efficiently.
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7 BYOD Security Risks & How to Prevent Them
1. Risk of Lost or Stolen Devices
One of the biggest problems with BYOD is that there’s little way of knowing where an employee will take their work device. Like any device, there is a risk that it could be lost or stolen if the employee leaves it unattended in a public place.
To mitigate this risk, use strong passwords and enable biometric security features like fingerprint or facial recognition. Additionally, install a device tracking app to help locate lost devices or the ability to remotely wipe its data.
2. Insecure Wi-Fi Connections
Connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks with a BYOD device can expose corporate data to interception. To prevent this, always use secure networks and a VPN when accessing work data. Organizations can provide VPN services to employees for secure remote access.
3. Outdated Security Software
BYOD devices may not always have the latest security software or patches, leaving them susceptible to vulnerabilities. This risk is heightened by the diversity of devices and operating systems in a BYOD environment.
Encourage regular updates by implementing a policy that requires devices connecting to corporate networks to have up-to-date security software. Consider using a mobile device management (MDM) solution to manage and enforce updates remotely.
4. Insecure App Permissions
Apps on BYOD devices might request permissions that are too broad, potentially exposing company data to third parties. To mitigate this risk, carefully review the permissions requested by any app before installation. Employers should provide guidelines on safe app permissions and encourage the use of apps that require minimal access to the device’s data and functions.
| Learn More About How You Can Boost Your Company’s Security Measures |
5. Poor Personal Security Practices
Personal security habits impact BYOD device security. Using weak or reused passwords can compromise both work and personal data. Encourage strong, unique passwords for each service and the use of password managers. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for accessing corporate resources can also significantly enhance security.
6. Insufficient Separation of Personal & Work Data
When personal and work data coexist on the same device without clear separation, there’s a risk of data leakage or loss. Implement containerization solutions that create a secure, encrypted space on personal devices for work data. This helps in preventing data mix-up and ensures corporate data can be remotely wiped without affecting personal data.
7. Uncontrolled Access to Corporate Data
Allowing unrestricted access to corporate data from personal devices can lead to data breaches. Use mobile security solutions to control what data can be accessed and stored on personal devices. You should also set up strict access controls and encryption to protect sensitive information.
Prevent All of These BYOD Risks & Issues With Cyber Experts
BYOD’s risks are fairly simple to prevent with the right best practices. However, it does take careful planning to ensure your organization strikes the right balance between security and data accessibility. If you set your security standards too high, employees may not be able to access what they need to work.
Sunco Communication & Installation provides expert IT consulting and cybersecurity services to help you manage this task. Our expert team can assess how you use your IT, assist you with your BYOD policy, and monitor your network once it’s all set up.
Reach out to us today to take your tech concerns off your plate.
