IT Security & Policy · Calgary
Bring-your-own-device programs can boost productivity, but they also introduce real security risks. Here are seven to know, and how the right policy addresses each one.
Bring-your-own-device risks and issues are a common discussion point among business owners considering remote work.
Inevitably, you will have less control over employee-owned devices. With the right BYOD security policy, this loss of control becomes less of a risk. BYOD saves employers an estimated $3,217 USD (about $4,410 CAD) per user per year, and Cisco's BYOD economics research found 36% of employees are "hyperproductive" on their own devices. Yet these advantages do not completely remove the risks. Only an informed strategy can do that.
Avoiding security threats is always a matter of strategy alongside the right tools. It doesn't matter whether you're securing BYOD devices or an on-premise network. You need to ensure you can deliver a highly productive and secure computing environment.
Ryan Locking, Vice President of CAUSMX Technologies
A lost or stolen device could easily fall into the wrong hands and lead to a data breach. If the employee shares their device with family members, unauthorized individuals may also inadvertently gain network access. Your policy should include strong encryption for stored data, secure lock-screen features, and automatic remote wipe capabilities if a device is lost or stolen.
Shadow IT refers to employees using systems, devices, software, or applications without approval. It can expose your organization to security risks and compliance issues. Require pre-approval for all apps and devices connected to your corporate network, and offer approved alternatives to channel employees toward safer, compliant options.
Employee-owned devices run on varying operating systems, which may or may not be up to date. Being behind on updates means being behind on security patches. Your policy should require devices to stay current with the latest patches and software versions, and enforce automatic updates where possible.
Blending personal and business data is one of the most common BYOD concerns. Personal use can expose business information, and business use can expose sensitive personal data. Enforce separate profiles or containers on devices so business data stays isolated from personal apps and information.
Forbes Advisor reports that 35% of people work on public Wi-Fi at least three or four times a month, and 40% of those who do have experienced a cybersecurity incident tied directly to that connection. Discourage public Wi-Fi use where possible, and provide access to a VPN for employees who have no other option.
It is difficult to monitor employee activity outside the office, but most people follow security practices once they understand them. One industry estimate puts the share of employees who will click most links sent to them by email or social media at 25%, which is exactly what regular security awareness training is meant to change. Training at least annually helps employees recognize risks like suspicious links before they become an incident.
A BYOD device is often used for both business and personal email, which creates a real risk of sending the wrong information to the wrong address. Implement strict rules requiring secure, company-managed email apps on BYOD devices, along with regular training on using the correct account for the right correspondence.
Mitigating these risks with the right security measures in place is worth it. Here is a practical checklist for building a BYOD security policy.
BYOD stands for bring-your-own-device, meaning employees use their own phones, laptops, or tablets for work. Businesses adopt it to lower hardware costs and let employees work on tools they already know.
BYOD introduces risk, but the risk comes from missing controls, not the devices themselves. A written policy covering encryption, remote wipe, and network access closes most of the gap.
Not necessarily. Many Calgary businesses run BYOD safely by pairing it with mobile device management, mandatory VPN use, and regular security training rather than replacing personal devices outright.
At minimum: acceptable use rules, mandatory device encryption and passcodes, VPN requirements for remote access, a process for remotely wiping lost devices, and a schedule for reviewing the policy as threats change.
At least once a year, and sooner after any major change in staff, devices, or the threat landscape. Risks tied to personal devices shift quickly as new apps and attack methods appear.
Yes. CAUSMX Technologies works with Calgary businesses to write, implement, and enforce BYOD and device security policies, and can review an existing policy for gaps during an IT assessment.
A strong BYOD policy is necessary if you want to allow employee-owned devices, but that is just one piece of protecting your company network. CAUSMX Technologies has supported Calgary businesses with managed IT, cybersecurity, and vCIO guidance for more than 10 years.
If you want advice, talk to CAUSMX Technologies. Our IT consultants can walk you through strategy planning, while our cybersecurity team can help enforce your policies. We also provide an IT helpdesk that can answer questions as they arise. Learn more about our team on our About Us page, and contact CAUSMX Technologies today to learn more.
BYOD Policy Readiness Check
Does your business have a written BYOD security policy?
Answer honestly, this is just for you.
BYOD Policy Readiness Check
Can you remotely wipe a lost or stolen employee device?
Think about what would actually happen today.
BYOD Policy Readiness Check
Do employees use public Wi-Fi without a VPN?
Be honest about day-to-day habits.
BYOD Policy Readiness Check
How often do employees receive security awareness training?
Not what's planned, what actually happens.
CAUSMX Technologies
CAUSMX Technologies helps Calgary businesses build practical cybersecurity, managed IT, and device policies suited to how they actually operate.
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