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Remote work often raises questions about privacy and mixing personal and professional lives. A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is commonly used in private businesses and organizations, especially with employees working from home, to ensure that information can be shared within the company while protecting your company’s and employees’ information. Below are five crucial components to consider when creating a BYOD policy.
Permitted Devices and Apps
While BYOD policies can be cost-effective, they can be difficult to monitor when everyone has their own personal device. Device management is crucial to a company’s cybersecurity, especially involving personal devices.
There are some apps, such as video games and social media, that you will want employees to refrain from using during work hours. First, create a list of apps allowed and not allowed at work. Then, discuss with your employees how you will go about monitoring these apps and when you will be monitoring them.
Cybersecurity Training
Human error is, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of cybersecurity breaches. Cybersecurity training should be integral to your business’s work culture. We strongly recommend scheduling regular training sessions with an IT Managed Service Provider to prepare employees for potential threats better. When incorporating cybersecurity training on a BYOD policy, it’s vital to emphasize open communication with your staff about phishing scams, suspicious links in emails, and updated training materials.
Ensuring that everyone on your team understands how to operate online safely and securely is one of the best ways to secure your business and employees’ data.
Passwords and Encryption
If you can unlock a device with a swipe of your finger, imagine how easy it is to access the information on the device if you end up losing it. Passwords and passcodes are an absolute must when securing your information. However, passwords alone are not secure enough to protect your data these days. Using strong passwords and multifactor authentication is recommended to add that extra layer of security to prevent a security breach or a hacker from getting your information. It’s tricky to keep track of your passwords, especially if they must be unique with memorable characters and symbols. We recommend using a secure password manager like LastPass or Dashlane to keep track of your passwords without compromising security.
We also recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for all your employees to circulate files and messages while using their networks at home. VPNs allow you and your employees to work on the same network while protecting your privacy and files; this is especially important to protect your financial and business information.
Security Requirements
To ensure your team is working on the same level, everyone needs to meet the proper software requirements. Using outdated software can lead to vulnerabilities in your online security, so you want to make sure that everyone is using the most up-to-date programs and operating systems.
Additionally, with the staggering increase of viruses and malware, you also want to make sure that employees have set up a firewall, an antivirus, and an anti-malware program on their devices.
Flexibility
Times are always changing, which means that you need to be prepared to change and update your procedures as you go. The methods and procedures that you’re doing may keep you safe for now, but those same procedures may not keep you safe a year from now. That’s why it’s important to do routine security audits and check-ins so that you can determine if your policies are working or if you need to change them.
Cybersecurity Training From Experts You Can Trust
If your business is thinking of implementing a BYOD policy, it’s crucial that you consult a professional IT provider that can keep your data safe. Alt-Tech Inc. provides various services, including cloud hosting, cyber security, and managed IT services. Contact us today to schedule a security audit for your business.
