The lines between personal and professional lives are becoming increasingly blurred in today’s mobile and interconnected world, especially with the rise in bring your own devices (BYOD). The BYOD market is worth nearly $100 million in 2024, with 82% of companies implementing a BYOD program. The convenience of using personal devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops for work tasks can enhance productivity and flexibility, but it also introduces significant security and privacy risks.
Protecting sensitive company data while ensuring your personal information remains secure requires a balanced and strategic approach. Here’s a guide on how to secure personal devices used for work.
Read: How to Maximize Your Remote Work Experience
Understanding the Risks
Before diving into security measures, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with using personal devices for work. These include:
- Cyber attacks: Personal devices may lack robust protection, increasing the risk of cyber attacks, including malware, ransomware and phishing.
- Data breaches: Unlike corporate devices, personal ones might not have the same level of security, making them prime targets for cyber criminals seeking to steal sensitive company data.
- Loss or theft: The loss or theft of a personal device can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive company data. In fact, 41% of data breaches are caused by lost or stolen devices.
- Privacy issues: Personal information can be inadvertently exposed alongside company data, leading to privacy concerns or identity theft.
- Human error: Human error causes 95% of data breaches, making it a massive contributor to compromised company security.
Given the potential consequences of not implementing proactive and comprehensive security measures, it’s crucial to safeguard sensitive data on personal devices.
1. Implement Strong Authentication
Implementing robust authentication methods is one of the most effective ways to secure personal devices. This includes:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Strengthen your defenses by requiring two or more forms of verification, such as passwords, biometrics and one-time codes.
- Strong, complex passwords: Use strong, complex passwords for all work-related applications, and change them regularly.
- Limit access: Determine what apps, files and more employees need to fulfill their jobs and then grant limited access to their devices.
2. Regular Updates
Keep your device’s software and hardware up to date to protect against vulnerabilities and outdated technology.
- Operating system updates: Ensure your device’s operating system is always up to date with the latest security patches.
- Application updates: Regularly update all applications, especially those used for work, to their latest versions to patch any security flaws.
3. Secure Connections
Always use secure connections to protect data in transit.
- Virtual private network (VPN): Use a VPN when accessing work networks remotely to encrypt your internet connection and protect sensitive data in transit and at rest.
- Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Di networks for work-related tasks. If necessary, use a personal hotspot or secure, trusted network.
4. Safe Browsing Practices
Adopt safe browsing habits to significantly reduce the risk of malware and phishing attacks.
- Browser security: Use secure, privacy-focused browsers and enable security features like pop-up blockers and antimalware and antivirus software.
- Avoid suspicious links: Avoid unsolicited emails, links and attachments. Always verify the source before clicking.
- Email and Internet filters: Turn on email and Internet filters to help sort out harmful traffic and messages,
5. Educate Yourself and Others
Awareness and education are critical components of any security strategy.
- Security training: Participate in regular security training to stay informed about the latest threats and best practices.
- Stay informed: Keep up with the latest cybersecurity news to be aware of emerging and evolving threats.
6. Company Policies and Compliance
Adhere to your company’s security policies and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Follow protocols: Always follow your company’s data protection and device security protocols, including when staff leave a company or if a device is stolen or lost.
- Compliance: Be aware of any industry-specific regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, that may impact how you handle sensitive work and customer data.
Stay Modern with Thriveon
At Thriveon, we know how important it is for your company to stay ahead of the competition with modern office solutions, including BYOD. That’s why we offer our clients robust modern office services that increase their productivity and efficiency while protecting sensitive data and files.
Schedule a meeting now for more information.