Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) risks and issues are a common discussion point among business owners considering allowing remote work. Inevitably, you’ll have less control over employee-owned devices. With the right BYOD security policy, this loss of control becomes less of a risk.
| “Avoiding security threats is always a matter of strategy alonside 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 |
When considering the benefits of BYOD, mitigating these risks with a well-planned policy is worth it. BYOD saves employers $3,217 USD ($4,409.65 CAD) per user per year. Research has also shown that 36% of workers are “hyperproductive” on their devices.
Yet, such advantages do not completely nullify all BYOD security risks. Only an informed strategy can do that. Here are 7 BYOD risks to be aware of while you plan yours. This article will also provide a checklist to help you implement a strong policy.
7 BYOD Security Risks You Can Avoid with the Right Policy
3. Data Leakage
A lost or stolen device could easily fall into the wrong hands and lead to a data breach. Additionally, if the employee shares their device with family members, unauthorized individuals may inadvertently gain network access.
Your BYOD security policy should include strong encryption for stored data and require secure lock-screen features. It’s also best to implement automatic remote wipe capabilities if a device is lost or stolen.
The Average Network Breach Takes 207 Days to DetectBut you can reduce that time with real-time network monitoring. |
2. Shadow IT
Shadow IT refers to employees using particular IT systems, devices, software, or applications without approval. They might use these technologies for productivity or convenience, but this habit can expose your organization to security risks and compliance issues.
Require pre-approval for all apps and devices connected to your corporate network. Implementing an app whitelist and providing approved alternatives can help channel employees’ desire for convenience into safer, compliant options.
3. Outdated Software
Diverse employee-owned devices will run on varying operating systems. These systems may or may not be up-to-date with the latest standards. Being behind on updates means being behind on security patches.
Your BYOD policy should require that devices be kept up to date with the latest security patches and software versions. If possible, perform regular checks on devices or mandate that all employee devices receive automatic updates.
4. Mixing Personal & Business Data
Blending personal and business data is the most common concern with BYOD. Not only is there a risk of personal use exposing business information, but business use may also expose sensitive personal data such as banking details.
Enforce the use of separate profiles or containers on devices. This segregation ensures that business data is isolated from personal apps and information.
| Learn More About How You Can Better Manage Your IT: |
5. Insecure Wi-Fi Connections
35% of people work using public Wi-Fi at least 3 or 4 times a month. Despite how common this practice is, 40% of people who do so experience a cybersecurity incident directly due to their public Wi-Fi connection. Airports are the most likely location for Wi-Fi attacks to happen.
Discourage the use of public Wi-Fi as much as possible. In cases where an employee has no choice but to use public Wi-Fi, provide access to a VPN for them to use during that time.
6. Lack of Security Awareness
It’s difficult to monitor employee activity outside the office, but most people are willing to follow security practices if they understand them. For example, 25% of employees will click most links sent to them via email or social media, but education can show them why they shouldn’t.
Regularly conduct security awareness training sessions. Make sure these sessions are conducted at least annually. Security risks will change whenever technology does.
7. Email Mismanagement
There’s a good chance that a BYOD device will be used for both business and personal email. Therefore, there’s a risk that the wrong email will be sent to through the wrong address. Personal email accounts may not have the same protection as your corporate account, so this mistake puts your data at risk.
Implement strict rules requiring using secure, company-managed email apps on BYOD devices. Your policy should also include regular training on the importance of using the correct email for the appropriate correspondence.
| For Expert IT Services, Count on CAUSMX Technologies! |
BYOD Risk Management Policy Checklist
Our list highlighted the potential risks of BYOD that can be prevented simply by enforcing the right security measures. Now, here is a checklist that may help you implement your BYOD security policy.
| ☑️ Develop a BYOD Security Policy |
| ⬜ Outline acceptable use |
| ⬜ Specify security requirements |
| ⬜ Include compliance requirements |
| ☑️ Conduct Regular Security Training |
| ⬜ Educate employees on security best practices |
| ⬜ Provide updates on emerging threats |
| ☑️ Implement Device Security Measures |
| ⬜ Require strong passwords |
| ⬜ Enable device encryption |
| ⬜ Install and update antivirus software |
| ☑️ Enforce Network Security |
| ⬜ Use a secure VPN for remote access |
| ⬜ Restrict access to sensitive data |
| ☑️ Monitor & Manage Devices |
| ⬜ Track and manage device access |
| ⬜ Implement remote wipe capabilities |
| ☑️ Regularly Review & Update Policies |
| ⬜ Review security policies regularly |
| ⬜ Update policies based on new threats |
Prevent Potential Problems With BYOD By Asking For Advice
A strong BYOD policy is necessary if you want to allow BYOD devices. However, that’s just one strategy that you need to protect your company network.
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 any questions as they arise.
Contact us today to learn more.
