Technology is the fuel for modern business. The ability to be connected across various devices can lead to greater productivity and ease of use. With more employees using their own devices, it’s critical to build a robust BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policy that supports security. Mobile working is a benefit of BYOD, which is more important now as the country remains in a work remote stage, but convenience should never be at the expense of security.
BYOD prevalence and risk
According to a survey of IT experts, 85 percent of organizations have BYOD policies. Companies understand the benefits — higher productivity and availability. However, simply having a BYOD policy won’t wipe away the risk. To mitigate risk, organizations must also deploy mobile device management (MDM). Without this, mobile devices are connecting to your network and could be an easy avenue for penetration.
Mobile work means more mobile devices
For mobile working to be effective, more mobile devices will be in use on your network. That’s great for employers, as 61 percent of organizations expect employees to be available remotely even if they don’t supply a device, according to a Samsung survey. Businesses demand mobility but often don’t support it. They turn to BYOD but often don’t bridge the gap between personal devices and security.
MDM offers productivity without the risk
Using MDM is vital to mobile working and can address mobile devices, as well as laptops. It delivers clear benefits that reduce overall risk. Data remains secure with 24/7 proactive monitoring even when accessed on these external mediums. It’s also a way to reduce costs associated with purchasing work devices. The most attractive benefit for companies that use MDM is remote data wiping. So, if a device is lost or stolen, it’s no longer a breach threat.
Ensuring mobile work device security — your must-haves
In developing your BYOD program and enabling MDM, there are some must-haves for secure mobile working.
MFA
Adding another layer for access is always a smart move. MFA (multi-factor authentication) enables you to require more than just a password for access. There are several ways to execute MFA. One-time use pins or codes are one possibility. Other options include smart cards or digital certificates. Another option is the use of fingerprints or retinal scans, which are unique to every user. The combination of these authentication methods can reduce breach concerns.
Amazon WorkSpaces
AWS Workspaces takes your server out of the closet and offloads the hardware platforms, storage devices and network resources to an enterprise-level provider. Your virtual desktop then gives you the freedom of the cloud, with cybersecurity that protects your business at all costs. Have the ultimate security when you Bring Your Own Device.
End-user education and awareness
The third most important aspect of secure mobile working is end-user education and awareness. You should publish your BYOD policy and request your employees to acknowledge their acceptance of this. You can continue to communicate the importance of security and the prevalent risks associated with mobile devices. Educating employees shouldn’t just occur when you hire them. Keep reiterating these messages of vigilance so your employees are empowered with knowledge.
If your organization has concerns about mobile work device security, we’re glad to answer any questions. Contact us today to learn more.