How to Ensure Network Security with BYOD
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies come with plenty of advantages. In addition to reducing your hardware overheads, you give your employees the flexibility to work anywhere. Naturally, BYOD also poses some challenges. For example, you need to keep every device secure. Fortunately, there are ways to achieve this without too much hassle.
Ask employees to notify you immediately of a lost device
Accidents happen and lost devices are among them. If you tend to penalize your employees heavily when such incidents occur, they’re unlikely to notify you when they happen.
Instead, ask your employees to let you know about device loss immediately. When your employees inform you of losses with a sense of urgency, you can get a head start on protecting your data.
Request safe password protocols from device users
Did you know that hackers steal around 250,000 passwords per week? Data breaches regularly take place at big organizations, so that statistic shouldn’t come as a big shock. It does mean there’s a chance your employees’ passwords are being sold on the Dark Web, though.
Because password stealing is becoming increasingly more common, you need to implement a safe password protocol. Ask that employees don’t use the same passwords at work as they do at home. Ensure they’re not using variations of their home passwords either.
Provide guidance on wireless and Bluetooth usage
Technologies such as wireless and Bluetooth certainly make life easier. At the same time, they introduce risks. If your employees leave their Bluetooth on when they’re not actively using their phones, they’re vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, unsafe wireless networks can cause more harm than good.
Request that your employees turn off their WiFi and Bluetooth when their phones aren’t in use. This will prevent them from accidentally connecting to an unsafe network. Additionally, request that they don’t use public WiFi networks at all. If your data is on their device, you can’t afford for them to take the risk.
Exercise phishing vigilance at all times
Most employers will request that their employees exercise vigilance against phishing emails. However, your education may only cover the types of emails that could penetrate your workplace. If your employee is using their own device, they need to guard their personal accounts too.
According to one report, 71% of malware is installed when someone falls for a phishing attack. With that in mind, it’s worth educating your employees on all phishing trends, including those that could reach their personal accounts. In doing so, you may help them avoid malware that compromises your company data.
Remove data from exiting employee devices
When the time comes for an employee to leave, don’t let them walk out of the building with your data. Instead, inform them that they need to bring their device to you so you can clear it of anything associated with your business.
You may want to include data removal as a clause in your employee’s BYOD contract. Although most will willingly bring their device to you, others may forget. By making it a requirement, you can compel them to hand over their device before they leave their position.
When you take the right approach to BYOD policies, you can enjoy them while keeping your organization safe. Make sure you review your policies from time to time to maintain a consistent level of security.
