Though personal devices could potentially lead to increased business efficiency and productivity, many organisations are not quite ready to celebrate this trend just yet. The "bring your own device" (BYOD) trend brings with it a myriad of security risks, including malware, hacking and the potential leakage of confidential data when unsecure devices are lost or stolen.
With the continued raise in the consumerisation of IT trend, methods of attacking personal devices have become even more sophisticated. Malicious malware has been developed to specifically target smartphones and a growing number of mobile users have fallen victim to highly-complex viruses. Aside from the vulnerability of the device itself, smartphones and tablet devices face even greater security risk in Web 2.0 applications. These applications, though extremely popular, are increasingly subjected to malware and hacking and therefore compromise the device without the user knowing. With users now accessing business assets via their personal devices, data is often accessed outside network firewalls, giving organisations little control over their confidential information.
Though the spread of personal devices in the workplace has created a serious security issue for employers, it would be futile to try and stop it from happening. Tablets and smartphones have become a way of life for so many and they can actually be a significant asset to an organisation's productivity. Many organisations are already using personal IT devices to help drive new outputs that would have never have been possible before the BYOD era. Instead of prohibiting the use of smartphones and tablets, organisations must determine how employees can use their devices securely.
Fortunately, recent advances in mobile security have made it possible for employers to provide secure access from any network on any device. Revolutionary endpoint software programs allow for multi-platform device management so that employees with Android, iOS, Blackberry or any other mobile platform can access the network securely. Such software offers identity-based access and also allows organisations to detect and manage various devices as they enter the network.
Additionally, organisations can further protect their employees' devices with next generation firewall technologies that can detect and prohibit access to harmful websites. Organisations can also benefit from the availability of frequent updates from experts who research and track the latest global IT security threats. This service, offered by some service providers, can prove extremely beneficial for organisations wanting to prevent security breaches before they occur.
Clearly, mobile security is of the utmost importance for every forward-thinking organisation looking to thrive in today's tech savvy culture. Fortunately, innovations in remote network access, not to mention secure cloud computing, allow organisations to protect their employees' devices and safeguard their own security interests at the same time.
Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
