Bring your own device (BYOD for short) to the workplace is turning an increasingly popular option for workplaces in Austin and elsewhere. Not only does BYOD free employees from being locked down with employer-based devices, it allows them to work on their own laptops, smartphones or systems at home. Some of the advantages include round-the-clock access, telecommuting or remote working and increased employee satisfaction.
However there is a considerable downside as well in terms of Information security. These include data or information security, unauthorized access, loss or theft leading to compromising a company’s integrity and so on. The ever-evolving threats can be particularly tough for companies new to BYOD. However, in most situations, BYOD only serves to increase hackers’ chances to gain access to sensitive information.
A professional IT support infrastructure can be a powerful deterrent against hacking and malware. Here are the 3 key BYOD risks to be wary of and how to deal with the security aspect in the workplace.
Email and Work Related Communication
Employees who access work email on personal devices often tend to fall short of basic security best practices. If compromised, their email or social media accounts can provide an easy way to access sensitive information.
Information exchange or access can be protected by way of extensive data encryption. Employees should be made aware of the need to keep personal and work-related interactions distinct. This can take the route of using different apps for each type of interactions.
Loss or Theft of Devices
BYOD work culture benefits greatly from the approach’s mobile nature. However, always on-the-go employees tend to misplace devices, exposing company data to risk even if otherwise secured.
BYOD businesses can employ extensive anti-loss initiatives. Effective security measures in worst-case scenarios can make use of encryption, multiple authentication measures and tracking systems that can help with device recovery.
There are mobile data management solutions available that can remotely wipe compromised devices thus denying access to information.
Malicious Programs
Malware remains a top concern for computer users, but it’s turning even more risky for smart-phone users. Many download problematic apps or access malicious websites on their personal devices without checking their authenticity.
Mobile malware can be more difficult to detect, as it tends to mimic popular and legitimate apps. Often, such app’s malicious activity is virtually undetectable for users. These apps can use seemingly innocent features such as access to calendar information or location data with harmful intent.
Of particular concern are jailbroken/rooted smartphones and tablets, which lack the standard security measures of original-issue devices. Malicious apps can prove to be of even greater danger on such devices – in terms of access as well as data security.
A comprehensive BYOD policy is a must for companies to account for possibility of malware on mobile apps. Organizations should regularly conduct training/awareness sessions for their personnel to keep an eye out for problematic apps, and blacklist those already identified as risky.
An increasing number of employees and workplaces in Austin are taking to performing work-related tasks on personal devices. In this context, the organizations need to minimize all possibilities of risk and the IT Support team needs to respond promptly if any security has been compromised.
