BYOD Security

What is BYOD?

Bring your own device (BYOD) is a policy that permits workers to use their own devices for work-related purposes. Employees bring their own tablets, computers, and USB drives to work, but smartphones are the most prevalent mobile device. A BYOD policy is intended to guarantee that workers adopt solid security practices when connecting to the corporate network - not just to eliminate the need for employees to carry two phones.

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The use of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) has accelerated in recent years as businesses seek to boost productivity and cut on expenses and for the user, it is all about increased mobility. Accessing emails, connecting to the business network, and having access to company apps and data are all examples of these activities.

Some enterprises provide their employees with the company owned devices which is known as COPE (Corporate-Owned Personally Enabled). COPE is a business model in which an organization distributes mobile computing devices to its employees and allows them to use them as if they were their own laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

While BYOD has a lot of benefits for both employees and the enterprises for which they work, it also has some security drawbacks, if not implemented correctly. This topic will cover the main threats that businesses face when implementing BYOD programs, as well as best practices and solutions for mitigating these risks.

Benefits of BYOD:

  • Employees are much happier using the mobile devices they already are comfortable with (personalized) rather than being forced to use IT-issued devices. That familiarity and comfort enables respond to requests faster, and are more comfortable working in their desired environment, thus leading to a significant increase in employee productivity.

  • Increases workplace and after-hours engagement, where employees can communicate outside of the office, and they would be more willing to work outside of the office and be more responsive. This implies they will be more available to answer emails and accomplish other tasks outside of the office.

  • It is cost effective. Companies can save a lot of money by having employees pay for the majority or all the costs connected with mobile devices, services, and other expenses.

Threats/Risks Associated with BYOD

  • Mobile Applications: As mobile devices make up a major part of a company's BYOD environment, companies must be mindful of the threats posed by fraudulent mobile apps downloaded by these devices' users. Users who download software from third-party app stores and torrent repository websites frequently fail to verify the legitimacy of the apps they download, oblivious to the fact that many of these apps are harmful. Cyber fraudsters typically deceive consumers by appearing as legal downloads of new and popular apps. What makes some of these apps so dangerous is that they look to run like regular apps, but they actually transmit malicious payloads like annoying advertisements or spyware.

  • Phishing: While phishing is not unique to BYOD, it becomes a particularly serious issue in a BYOD environment since enterprises often focus solely on the security of devices on their own network. Cybercriminals frequently start with the weakest link in the security chain: THE END USER - HUMAN FACTOR.
    While many firms install security solutions that efficiently filter possible phishing attempts on company's IT setup and Network, a significantly lesser percentage do so for their employees' personal devices that are allowed as BYOD. This makes them vulnerable to attacks on their work-related accounts, which might then spread to the inner network that BYOD device is connected to.

  • Targeted attacks and vulnerabilities: Targeted attacks and vulnerabilities in BYOD devices are a major security concern for businesses. For example, a vulnerability or a missed settings function or a sometimes a default configuration can allow for your device to be hacked whilst using a public Wi-FI. Another example is gaming, where in a malware can pose as games and themes on mobile app stores or websites that are accessed on a personal laptop, allowing the BYOD's device connection to reach out to malicious domains whilst connected to the company's Wi-Fi network as an example, thus allowing cyber criminals to access a company's network environment and steal data.

    In addition to targeted attacks, users can put companies at risk by failing to update their own devices. These devices' having unpatched or outdated software may contain vulnerabilities that can be used for harmful purposes by perpetrators. Some Mobile devices could be jailbroken or rooted, and these adjustments can give users more functionality and customizability, they can also jeopardize security.

  • Lost or Stolen Devices: To store, access, and process secret company information, a BYOD device could be used. If the device slips into the wrong hands, this poses a significant risk. For example, loss of your device on in a mall or coffee shop can also expose critical information if it is stolen.

  • Employees that are unreliable: BYOD could make it easier for an unreliable employee or an Insider to steal data from a company because it is a device that they own and manage.

BYOD Best Practices

  • Create a BYOD Policy: As you implement a solution to use BYOD ( Application, ID keys, connection protocols and Infrastructure set up ), it is important to circulate out a BYOD policy so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to setting up a personal device for company use. This covers, employee restrictions and limitations, and security standards.

  • Management of identity and access: You do not want anyone who is not allowed to use your devices and services in a BYOD program. Your BYOD policy should spell out identity and access control procedures to guarantee that only authorized users have access to a device and its contents. Strong passwords, as well as other authentication measures such as biometrics, access keys (Digital and USB based), MFA and transaction checks (logs), should be used.

  • Remote Device Erasing: Your organization must be able to delete important business data from a device in an emergency. Solutions like enterprise mobility management systems can help for removing corporate data from mobile devices. This manner, your firm will be protected if an unauthorized user gains access to a device or if your gadget becomes inoperable.

  • Devices that have been lost or stolen:If a BYOD device is lost or stolen users must report a lost or stolen device to your organization as quickly as possible; the shorter the time between when a device goes missing and when your firm learns about it, the less time a device containing sensitive data is exposed to malicious actors. Some Enterprise Mobile Management System solutions provides geographic finding capabilities, allowing you to track down lost devices.

  • Protecting the privacy of employees: Employees may be concerned about their personal privacy if your firm introduces a BYOD policy. They may believe that allowing employees to bring their own devices to work is an excuse for your company to snoop on them or access personal data kept on their phones. Of course, this is not the case, but you should let your employees know about it.

  • Other quick TIPS:

  • Organizations Can use Virtualized Mobile Infrastructure (VMI) solution which allows users to access company information on their mobile devices through a virtual mobile operating system that runs on a company server. This effectively separates personal data, which are accessed through the operating system of the device, from company files, which are accessed through the VMI.

  • Strong passwords with MFA should be used on the BYOD.

  • Proper antivirus solution should be employed.

  • Devices should be properly monitored for any intrusions or data leakage.

  • Sharing of BYOD with friends or relatives should be avoided.

  • Overly sensitive information should be restricted in the BYOD.

  • Employees should only be given access to the data they require.