BYOD: Mobile Device Security Threats and Mitigation Strategies

A common trend today in the workplace is BYOD – Bring Your Own Device – the use of personally owned smart phones and tablets in the workplace. The BYOD practice offers numerous benefits such as enhancing work flexibility and eliminating the need to carry both personal and work devices. However, while convenient and efficient, the increased use of mobile technology simultaneously brings increased security threats.

There are four factors of concern to consider when transitioning your organization to BYOD or mobile integration, including:

•     Educating users about risk and policy adherence
•     Data protection through password authentication and encryption settings
•     Exposure through public wireless communication networks
•     Malicious software downloads, also known as malware

To mitigate security exposures and address potential threats, an organization’s overall risk management approach should implement measures such as establishment of company policies, employee education, periodic risk management reviews, and more. For more mobile device security major threat vectors and mitigations strategies, contact Brian Thomas, IT advisory services partner.