BYOD - Securing Remote Workstations

In a BYOD world, organizations must face the challenge of managing an ever-increasing variety of devices and environments, each with its own security risks. Remote workstations can be located anywhere from home to co-working spaces, parks, public transit, and popular eateries and cafes. The flexibility afforded by remote work means the business model is likely to continue to thrive. Although risks are present, with the right policies and procedures in place, BYOD can actually be a cybersecurity dream come true.

What is BYOD and why is it trending?

BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, is a term that refers to employees using their own devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, for work purposes.

There are a number of advantages to BYOD, including increased productivity and flexibility for employees, as well as cost savings for businesses. However, there are also some potential cybersecurity risks associated with BYOD that businesses need to be aware of.

Overall, BYOD can be a great option for businesses if they have the right policies and procedures in place to mitigate any potential risks.

The security risks of BYOD

One of the biggest dangers of BYOD is that personal devices are often not as well-protected as corporate devices. Corporate devices have the benefit of leveraging uniformed controls; including password sophistication requirements, and up-to-date security software, making corporate devices difficult targets for cybercriminals. 

Another risk of BYOD is that employees may use their personal devices for work purposes without understanding the company’s security policies. This can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as downloading unapproved apps riddled with malware or sharing personal devices with friends and family, potentially exposing company data to unauthorized persons. Employees may also inadvertently expose company data by sharing files via unintentional Bluetooth syncing or cloud uploads.

The best way to mitigate the risks of BYOD is to have a clear and concise BYOD policy in place. This policy should outline acceptable use behaviors and make it clear that employees are responsible for protecting all company data in their possession regardless of the type of device the data is accessed with. 

According to a recent study, nearly 60% of companies have experienced a data breach due to BYOD. Security incidents are expensive, with the average cost of a data breach soaring to $4.35 million dollars in 2021.  The biggest security risks include data leakage (via email, social media, or cloud storage), malware infections, and unauthorized access to corporate networks.

How to mitigate the risks of BYOD

To mitigate the risks of BYOD, businesses need to implement a robust security strategy that includes mobile device management, data encryption, and employee training. With the right measures in place, you can minimize the chances of a data breach and keep your business safe. Here are some additional tips on how to mitigate the risks associated with BYOD:

1. Encrypt all data: Data encryption is a key component of cybersecurity, and it’s especially important when it comes to BYOD. Make sure all data stored on devices is encrypted so that if a device is lost or stolen, the data cannot be accessed.

2. Use a mobile device management (MDM) solution: A good MDM solution can help you remotely manage and secure BYOD devices. It can also provide features like remote wiping, which can be helpful if a device is lost or stolen.

3. Educate employees on cybersecurity: Employees need to be aware of the risks associated with BYOD and how to protect themselves against them. Be sure to provide training on cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords and not sharing personal information online.

4. Implement an enterprise security program: It’s important to have strict security policies but policies are often far less impactful without the establishment of a Security Program. A Security Program includes dedicated staff, periodic reporting, monitoring, testing, training, and desktop procedures. 

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Conclusion

The Bring Your Own Device movement has been a mixed blessing for the cybersecurity industry. On one hand, it has forced companies to invest in better security measures to protect their data from being accessed by unauthorized devices. On the other hand, it has also created a new breed of sophisticated attacks that target mobile devices. As the BYOD trend continues to grow, it is important for companies to stay ahead of the curve and implement effective security measures to protect their data. If you need help in establishing your Security Compliance Program or want an evaluation of your current Security Program strategy contact us today!

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