BYOD or “Bring Your Own Device” is an acronym many people in the business world have heard. Every day, more mobile devices (including tablets and laptops) are used by employees to access their company’s data. Giving employees the option to receive work-related emails and data on these devices increases their productivity. As working schedules vary, it is crucial to have a set of standard security policies to protect your company data across the board.

Policies for BYOD

By using the BYOD model, companies will need to set policies that:

• Secure employees’ personal mobile devices.
• Give them the assurance and flexibility to feel comfortable using them for business use.

Establishing these policies prevents companies from accessing personal data and securing their company information.

Microsoft and other third-party software will help you achieve this task. If no policies are in place, employees should take security steps to ensure that their devices are secure.

Steps for keeping BYOD safe and secure

• Password protection  — Implement complex passwords to access the computers and the network. Change the password regularly and do not share the password with anyone else.
• Set up a guest or other Wi-Fi access in your office – Most business routers/firewalls allow you to set up different Wi-Fi accesses using a different IP scheme to access the internet.  
• Set up Bit-locker to encrypt the hard drive of the laptop.  Bit-Locker comes free with Windows 10 Pro and up. 
• If a laptop is in use, make sure it is using the same antivirus in use in your office. The AV will need the latest definition.
• Setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) –  Most business routers usually include two or more free VPN licenses. These VPN licenses will allow you to create a private data tunnel to your network. 

Other tips to consider

• Office 365 offers a remote wipe feature in case there is a loss or theft of your mobile device. Office 365 offers the capability of remotely wiping data from a device, in the event it is lost or stolen. Important: Only mobile phones/tablets that connect to Office 365 via Exchange/ActiveSync can use this functionality.
• Install Two-Factor Authentication –  2FA is an easy setup in Office 365.  It protects your email and access to your data. A random code will be sent to your phone for verification when a new device is in use, or access is being requested.
• Educate your staff on the risks of cybersecurity – It is crucial to initiate regular security training for everyone. This ensures that employees understand the risks that personal devices on corporate networks can present.
• CYOD – Choose your own device. The company provides these devices with minimum software and adequate protection.  With the use of Mobile Device Management, you can control network access and reformat the device remotely. 
• Keep all your devices up to date – Many security issues are preventable by simply keeping your devices up to date with the latest updates and patches.

How CEO Computers can help with BYOD

CEO Computers can assist with all of your BYOD needs. We are able to set up a live demonstration showing the capabilities this offers. We have been serving our customers for over 34 years with solutions to help them achieve their goals. You can contact us at 818-501-2281 or info@ceocomputers.com