When staff are using corporate-issued devices in the office, this is often done for them. And having the most robust security often relies on people using the most current version of software. Personal devices are also typical not encrypted, meaning data can be spied on. Once connected tot he network, hackers can see the user's passwords, login details and activity. This means connecting to open WiFi that can leave the device vulnerable to hackers, who are known to create hotspots that dupe people into connecting. If an employee is using their personal device to work, chances are they're outside of the office, in a public place (or it was, pre-Covid anyway). For more on the risks of unsanctioned apps, read this blog. And because staff members are using their devices outside of the office, it can be difficult to monitor which apps are being downloaded. When an employee uses their personal device, they can access whatever they like on it they can view any website and download any app, including those that would normally be restricted or blocked by an organisation for security, that might contain malware or viruses. It's one thing for an employee to work from their phone, tablet or personal laptop in their home office - but when that device gets taken outside of the home, the security risks increase even more, either through connecting to unsecured WiFi networks, from being lost or stolen or even from prying eyes. And by their very nature, personal devices are designed to be used on the go. To mitigate the risks of a device being lost or stolen, companies need to ensure any device being used for work has adequate security settings like two-factor authentication for apps and platforms housing company data, and protocols for lost devices, such as being able to remotely wipe a phone or laptop.īecause personal devices aren't part of a company's IT infrastructure, they aren't protected by the same security that protects the rest of the network - although they do contain much of the same data and information. Personal devices used for work are basically mini computers, full of valuable and sometimes sensitive company information. However it happens, a device in the wrong hands can be a serious security risk to businesses. Or if you're really unlucky, you might have your device stolen. Of course we all try to look after our personal devices, but we're only human sometimes, that iPhone gets left in a cafe, or your laptop gets left on a train. So, here's a round up of the security risks of using personal devices for work and what can be done about them. In our recent survey of more than 200 IT decision makers, 56% said they felt personal device use has left them more vulnerable to a security breach.īut with remote working here to stay and BYOD a firm fixture in that, organisations need to assess the risks and take steps to mitigate them. The switch to remote working in 2020 means its more important than ever that the workforce can work on a variety of devices but using your own device, also known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) can pose serious risks to security that need to be addressed by IT teams. Whether you're on a train, in a coffee shop or working from home, you can log on to your device, access the emails, systems and the files you need, and get to work. The rise of smartphones and tablets has meant that productivity never needs to stop.
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