Smartphones have revolutionized the workplace – introducing a wave of BYOD that has become an essential part of daily operations. With powerful mobile apps now replacing desktops, it’s no surprise we’re seeing our digital devices becoming increasingly central to how business is done today.
With mobile devices processing up to 80% of the workloads in a company network, it is staggering that these vital endpoints are often overlooked when implementing stringent cybersecurity measures. Microsoft’s analysis shows this oversight poses immense risks, as nearly two thirds of an organization’s systems are potential gateways for digital intruders.
BYOD is becoming an increasingly popular method for businesses to maintain employee productivity. Rather than investing in costly corporate-owned mobile devices, employees are bringing their own personal gadgets into the workplace – a cost effective and efficient solution that still keeps teams productive!
Finding an affordable solution that meets the demands of staff can be a tricky task – financially, it’s often out of reach and carrying two separate devices is inconvenient for employees.
An overwhelming majority of businesses are embracing the future
With the right strategies in place, businesses can unlock all of the potential brought by BYOD. Unfortunately, many business owners are unaware of how their data is being used and stored; they’re missing out on some very important security measures.
Businesses and their employees both reap the benefits of BYOD when security risks are managed carefully. Here are some ways to ensure a successful program while safeguarding data – an absolute must for any organization!
For companies investing in BYOD
Without a clear set of regulations, companies that allow Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) are risking the security of their business data. Employees could unintentionally leave important information completely exposed or worse – get tricked into sending sensitive details over public Wi-Fi connections!
Without a policy, allowing employees to access business data from their own devices can pose significant risks for your company. A well-crafted policy not only safeguards the organization against potential issues but also ensures everyone is on the same page regarding critical considerations like employee compensation when leveraging personal equipment in professional capacities.
Refresh your policy to keep it up-to-date and relevant
Outdated policies can be an instant credibility killer. Old directives within a BYOD policy may make employees think that the whole policy is irrelevant and not worth following, so it’s important to keep any guidelines up-to-date for maximum effectiveness.
Staying up-to-date is key if your organization has implemented a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. Make sure that you keep the policy evergreen by regularly revising it to reflect any shifts in circumstances or regulations.
Forget outdated long-distance business calls
Despite the digital age, strong customer relationships still rely heavily on personal connections. Prior to the pandemic, 65% of employees were willing to provide their own phone numbers for a closer connection with customers. This allowed them to stay in contact when away from office phones and gave clients easy access if they needed help or advice – like having an old friend just one call away!
Customers calling employees on their personal numbers can be an annoying and unfortunate reality. If the employee moves on from the company, it could leave customers confused as to why they are no longer able to reach that person – potentially exacerbating any existing issues with a service or product.
With a business VoIP phone system, employees can keep in touch no matter where they are. Using the accompanying mobile apps, staff have access to all their core communication features on-the-go – so you’ll never miss an important call!
Companies must take extra care to protect their valuable data
While “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) once referred exclusively to mobile phones and tablets, the advent of remote work has pushed BYOD into a whole new arena. Nowadays, people are using their own personal computers for company business outside the office – creating additional security concerns that must be addressed accordingly.
Don’t let company data go rogue–keep it properly secured and backed up on staff devices. Implement restrictions to ensure that only the necessary information is stored in accordance with your business’ security needs.
Require Device Updates
Data breaches can occur on any endpoint connected to your network, including employee-owned devices. If these aren’t updated and patched regularly, the door is open for security threats to gain access. Don’t become a statistic – stay ahead of the game with consistent device maintenance!
Keeping up with technology can be tricky, and even more so when it’s a device owned by an employee. To make sure they don’t fall behind the times, many businesses rely on endpoint management solutions that allow automated updates to push through without compromising any private data of their employees.
These tools allow you to protect your endpoints with more confidence, providing robust monitoring and management capabilities that enable the safe addition of approved devices – while simultaneously blocking any unauthorized ones.
Don’t forget to consider BYOD when saying goodbye!
When an employee parts ways with your company, it’s important to ensure their digital presence is thoroughly wiped away. From text messages and emails – even stored passwords on devices – make sure that no confidential information remains accessible after the departure of a team member.
Before they go, make sure you’ve asked all the important questions and taken care of any company-related information. Ensure that their personal device no longer has access to confidential files or your network by copying what’s needed and deauthorizing it from your systems.
Discover the security you need for your business
Looking to bring the power of personal devices into your business operations? Let us show you how! We explore and recommend approaches that enable a secure Bring Your Own Device program. Schedule an appointment with us now for free no-obligation advice about unlocking this potential at your company.
