Bring-your-own-device BYOD is the practice of allowing employees to access company networks using personal devices. While BYOD provides individuals and organizations with flexibility, it also introduces a variety of hazards.

This blog post addresses the problems caused by BYOD and defines the components of an effective security checklist.

Bring-your-own-device is on the rise.

BYOD has never been more popular, with employees using their mobile phones to make office calls and conducting business on personal laptops. The global COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent boom in remote and hybrid working have resulted in a significant increase in the use of BYOD.

Organizations were pressured to relax their device control approach to respond effectively to the rapidly changing commercial environment. This occurred for various reasons, including the fact that employees were not permitted to take company-owned equipment home and the rollout of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) options such as Microsoft Teams, which made it easier for users to install applications on their own smartphones and laptops.

The Dangers of Bring-your-own-device

Over the last two years, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has enabled organizations to adapt to shifting commercial needs. It provides tremendous benefits, including increased employee satisfaction and productivity, when managed appropriately through remote access technologies and application wrapping. However, the continued normalization of its use poses considerable concerns. These include inadequate data protection, device loss or theft, and increased virus risks.

What should a decent Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) checklist include?

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Every organization’s needs and goals for BYOD will differ. However, the following major points should be addressed:

1. A specific BYOD policy

A focused BYOD policy is an essential part of secure remote working and should be updated regularly. The following are important considerations:

Your organizations allowed gadgets.

Phone number ownership – neglecting to address this problem might lead to complications when a staff member departs the organization.

Applications that are and are not permitted on devices.

Data ownership entails determining which data belongs to the organization and which to the employee.

Data confidentiality entails ensuring that sensitive data is never saved on the device.

Privacy – ensure that employees are aware of the types of activities and data that your company can observe and access on their devices.

Devices must meet specific security criteria.

Procedures for reporting a lost or stolen device as soon as possible

Controls for enforcing BYOD policies

2. Data security

When sensitive company data is viewed and shared via employees’ personal devices, it is critical to guarantee that it is always secure. This entails making essential security measures necessary, such as encryption or multi-factor authentication. Regular security audits will also confirm company data security and identify potential threats.

 3. Employee education

With so many employees using BYOD, targeted training and awareness workshops are required. They should address topics like device onboarding, security policies, data ownership, obligations, and so on.

4. Plans for employee leave and onboarding

When employees leave or join your organization, BYOD introduces new difficulties, such as the possibility of crucial data remaining on personal devices rather than being destroyed. Create an employee exit and onboarding plan to help your firm maintain clear guidelines for the security of company information during these transition periods.

5. Understanding of current gadgets

Ensure that you have total clarity on which devices your company can support – and that you share this information with your staff. Examine which gadgets fully meet your security requirements. This should also include evaluating the devices’ tools (e.g. native enterprise or third-party tools).

6. Periodic device inspections and audits

Conduct regular checks and audits on all devices to guarantee compliance with your security policy. This will provide vital information on potential security weaknesses and development places.

7. Minimum device specifications

Set specific requirements for accessing corporate resources to help secure critical company data. Minimum mobile operating system versions should be established.