How to Properly Manage While Protecting Your Business

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) polices have become more common in businesses across the United States and the world. This type of policy allows employees to use their personal devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptops for work purposes. While BYOD policies can offer numerous benefits, they can also pose significant risks, particularly when it comes to the security of confidential company data.

What Are The Benefits of BYOD Policies?

Increased Productivity

The ability to bring and use their own device often gives employees a higher level of comfort and efficiency using devices they are familiar with. Personal devices typically have customized settings and apps that can enhance work performance, which can lead to increased productivity.

Cost Effective

Companies that implement BYOD policies can reduce their expenses. When employees are able to use their own devices, businesses can allocate resources that would have been spent on purchasing and maintaining company-issued devices to other areas.

Improved Employee Satisfaction

Allowing employees to use their personal devices at the workplace can boost morale and job satisfaction. BYOD policies offer increased flexibility and convenience.

A Higher Level of Mobility on the Job

BYOD policies offer a more flexible work environment because it allows them to work from anywhere, which in turn facilitates remote work and enhances overall agility and responsiveness.

Utilization of the Most Advanced Technology

Personal devices often offer the ability to access the newest apps and technology versus those that are corporate-issued. Employees also are more likely to upgrade their personal devices, which ensures they have the latest technology at their disposal.

Risks of BYOD Policies

Although there are numerous benefits to BYOD policies, they do not come without risks. Businesses who are considering implementing bring your own device policies should be aware of some of the dangers.

Confidential Company Security Threats

Personal devices often don’t have the same level of security as company-issued devices, which can make them more susceptible to a variety of risks including malware, phishing attacks and unauthorized access.

Theft

Personal devices such as tablets, cell phones and laptops are more likely to be lost or stolen, which can lead to sensitive company data if the device is not adequately protected.

Compliance

All companies, no matter what the industry, are subject to state and federal compliance regulations. Adhering to these mandates can be difficult when staff members use their own devices. Because team members are using different devices and thus, operating systems, they may not meet the necessary compliance requirements.

Human Error

Employees using their own devices may accidentally or intentionally share confidential company information through unsecured channels or apps on their personal devices, putting your business at risk for loss or theft.

Network Security

The use of personal devices connecting to the company network can be a potential security risk to the entire network.

How To Safeguard Sensitive Company Data

Companies that are allowing their team members to bring their own device can help reduce risks by implementing security protocols.

Create a BYOD Policy

Establish clear guidelines on the acceptable use, data access and security requirements. Clearly define the types of data that are permitted to be accessed from personal devices and the security protocols required.

Enforce Strong Password Policies

Require employees to use strong, unique passwords for accessing company data. And, require the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) which adds an extra layer of security.

Use Encryption To Protect Sensitive Company Information

Ensure that all sensitive data stored on personal devices is encrypted. Make sure employees only use secure, encrypted connections when accessing company networks.

Consistent and Comprehensive Training and Awareness Programs

Implement a training program that includes regular sessions to educate employees about security best practices. Ensure that team members report lost or stolen devices immediately.

Control Access

Limit access to sensitive data to those employees who need it to properly perform their job.

Monitor and Audit Device Usage

Monitor device usage on a regular basis to stay on top of any possible suspicious activity. Implement audits to ensure compliance with BYOD policies.

Create an Incident Response Plan

Develop a plan of action for potential data breaches. Make sure that employees know the steps to take in case of a security incident involving their personal devices.

All Points Mobile Shredding is a family-owned and operated company in Stuart, Florida and serving businesses and residents throughout the state. We are committed to helping you protect your confidential company information. Give us a call or complete the form on this page to get a quick quote.