More small business owners are beginning to realize the possible benefits of allowing employees to bring their own devices (known as BYOD) to work. It increases productivity and allows employees to work on platforms they are most comfortable using. However, it does lead to a few potential problems that employers need to be on the lookout for before opening the floodgates to the device masses.
1) Define Security Parameters
You must establish security policies designed to protect the interests of your business first and foremost. This must be done before you allow access to business networks from any remote devices. These policies need to cover issues such as updating security features on their devices, sharing of devices, installation of unvetted apps, and clicking on unknown websites that may install malware on the devices that affect the entire network.
2) Educate Employees about Security
Sometimes, even employees who want to do the right thing aren’t sure what the right thing is. Educate them about creating adequate passwords, protecting their passwords, and storing their devices safely and securely so they are not targets for thieves.
3) Enable Remove Wiping of Data
The time will eventually come when employees either want to trade up to new mobile devices requiring the recycling of their existing devices or replace devices that have been stolen. This is when the ability to remotely wipe, or remove, data from the device is invaluable. It protects the interests of the business without requiring employees to hang on to devices they no longer wish to use, or technology that no longer meets their needs.
4) Require Passwords or Lock Codes on all Devices
Password access is yet another line of defense against would be hackers and thieves. Password protection best practices will not prevent all instances of theft or hacking, but it’s better than offering no overt defense for various tablet devices.
5) Limit Network Access via Tablet Devices
The real beauty about devices such as this is that business owners are able to choose what information is shared or not shared with individual devices. Each login code to the business network can allow access only to the files and information necessary for the assigned person to do his or her job. It’s a great way to regulate which information goes to whom while protecting information that isn’t necessary from risk due to a lost, misplaced, or hacked device.
The more active role you take in the protection of data and information, as a small business owner, the better it is for the sake of your business. In addition to the safeguards above, though, you must also make plans to protect your business when bad things happen that are beyond your control. This means investing in an appropriate amount of business insurance, specifically cyber liability insurance to bridge the gap whenever your best efforts at security don’t do the trick.
