With the increase of remote positions and the everchanging workplace dynamic for small businesses, the Bring Your Own Device policy is more pertinent than ever. However, it’s important to know the risks – especially when the data in your network is critical to your business.
Business Owners Beware
Though a BYOD policy can be convenient for your employees, there are risks that can’t be ignored. Allowing someone to use a personal device that they also use in their free time means you can’t monitor or police your employee’s activity the same way as a company-owned device with specific guidelines.
All it takes to start a domino effect is an employee connecting an infected device to the network and logging in as they usually would – possibly unaware. Much like a real virus, malware can travel through the entire network and spread to all other devices.
Immediate Recommendations
- Focus policies around Mac & Windows devices – primarily laptops. Phones (Android and iOS) are not currently as much of a risk, though we expect this will change in the future
- Encourage outside devices to connect to the Guest Wireless Network as opposed to the main company wireless network
- Ensure these one-off devices are managed like the others in the network (i.e. Antivirus and Monitoring).
We can help minimize these risks to your business. Get in touch with us today!