BYOD: Convenient? Or huge risk?

Next story

 

An estimated 4 million mobile devices were bought or received as gifts over the Christmas period in 2013, it’s not difficult to imagine that number being much higher this year. With that in mind Mark James gives us his top ten tips for a strong and secure BYOD policy.

Nowadays BYOD or “Bring your own device” policies are commonplace.

The convenience of allowing your employees to use their, often more powerful, personal devices for work is an attractive concept to many employers.

But the money and time you could save in allowing your employees to use their own devices could also open up your network to potential infection.

Mark James, ESET security specialist, provides his ten top tips for a strong and secure BYOD policy.

 

Ten Top Tips

 

  1. Have a clear understandable policy, outlining security requirements and best practice that all staff should read, understand and sign.
  2. Educate and train as much as possible, knowing and understanding why and how threats can expose the business is a much better way to protect our data.
  3. Devices must be protected by screen lock at minimum.
  4. Jailbroken or Rooted devices should NOT be permitted for use.
  5. All latest OS and app updates MUST be applied in a timely fashion.
  6. Back up your devices regularly.
  7. Remote wipe and or find my device MUST be functional.
  8. Try where possible to have a list of authorised devices that your company can support when any problems arise.
  9. Antivirus must be installed (with regular scans).
  10. All apps should be periodically reviewed with some limitations on free apps and the ability to install them.

  11. A strong BYOD policy is absolutely key if you have a mobile workforce or even just a couple of people out of the office.

    ESET Endpoint Mobile Security for Android, Windows and Symbian provides a full scanning, anti-theft and device monitoring suite. It is also compatible with Remote Administrator.


    If you’d like to share your opinion then join our LinkedIn group.

    Does your company have a good BYOD policy? How many of these points do they follow?