With the rise of smartphones, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) became increasingly popular. Software developers created apps for these smarter phones as they became more advanced; mobile device usage in the workplace has now overtaken desktop usage as a result.

Microsoft estimates that mobile devices make up 60% of an organization's endpoints and handle around 80% of the work load. Yet these devices often go overlooked when it comes to strong cybersecurity measures.

Particularly with employee-owned mobile devices. BYOD (bring your own device) differs from corporate-owned programs in that employees aren't limited to using company tools; rather, they use their own gadgets for work. Businesses increasingly rely on this strategy as a way to guarantee their employees remain productive at work.

Employees may find it challenging to afford phones or wireless plans for personal use. Dual devices at work and home could become a burden.

Estimates suggest that 83% of businesses have a Bring Your Own Device policy.

By following best practices, you can ensure the security of BYOD. Many business owners don't know which devices are accessing their company data or even if any have data stored on them. With proper guidance and knowledge on hand, however, this could be a major headache for them.

Here are some strategies to overcome the difficulties and security threats presented by BYOD. These tips should make it simpler for both employees and businesses to come out on top.

Define Your BYOD Policy

Without clear guidelines, BYOD won't be secure. Employees could leave company data exposed if they connect to public Wi Fi networks using their business email passwords. That could leave your system vulnerable.

When employees access company data via personal devices, you need a policy in place. Not only does this protect the business from unnecessary risk, but you can also set out specifics to minimize issues; for instance, compensation should be clarified for employees who use personal devices while working.

Maintain an Up-To-Date Policy

Outdated policies can become ineffective quickly. One person may read your BYOD policy, only to discover that only one directive is current, leading them to disregard the entire document altogether. Make sure your policies stay "evergreen"
Keep employees informed with current updates regarding policy content.

Make your BYOD policy "evergreen" by regularly updating it when necessary.

VoIP Apps Are Perfect for Business Calls

Before the pandemic, 65% of employees provided their personal numbers to customers. This was often due to a need to reach clients when they weren't in their office. These personal numbers can be saved by clients for staff members so that employees can call them from home with ease.

It is never beneficial for anyone to have an employee's personal phone number. Employees could leave the company and not answer calls, leaving customers in suspense as to why this occurred.

A business VoIP phone system can help solve this issue. These services offer mobile apps for employees to use, allowing them to make and take calls using a business number.

Set Limitations on Company Data Already Saved

Remote work has made it more challenging to secure BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices). BYOD was previously only applicable to mobile devices, but is now also applicable to computers as many remote workers use their personal computers when working from home. Therefore, setting restrictions on personal computers while working from home becomes even more essential.

Control over business data must remain intact, no matter the device. It's wise to limit employees' personal devices' storage of sensitive information and ensure that backups of this information are made from these sources.

Requiring Regular Device Updates

Employee devices that aren't kept up-to-date or patched regularly invite data breaches. A breach can occur from any endpoint connected to your network, leaving employees vulnerable.

Maintaining employee device versions can be a hassle. Many businesses rely on endpoint management software to keep their workers up to date. Endpoint device managers provide automated updates that protect business data without compromising employee privacy.

These tools offer enhanced security monitoring and management features. Furthermore, you can even safelist devices so that those not added to the endpoint administrator are blocked through safelisting.

Implement BYOD in Your Offboarding Process

When an employee leaves your company, you must delete any digital records related to them. Does the individual still receive work email from their former employer? Can they access company data through persistent logins? Are any company passwords saved on their device? It is essential that all digital records be erased.

These are the questions you should ask your former employee when they leave. Additionally, make sure you copy and delete any company files from their personal device and deauthorize any devices (if any) from your network.

Let us assist you with endpoint security solutions

We offer free consultations to identify the most suitable tools and provide recommendations based on our analysis of how personal devices are used within your business. Contact us now for a complimentary consultation!