7 Ways to Keep Work Secure on Employee Personal Devices
May 14th, 2018 by admin
Technology improvements have made it easy for employees to get work done on their personal devices from anywhere. However, that freedom comes with additional security risks and requires extra diligence to keep data secure. Safeguarding information is a combined process of utilizing technology and educating staff. The following considerations will help your business keep work secure on employee personal devices.
1. Always Update/Patch Software
Hackers invest time trying to find new ways to bypass security or take advantage of personal apathy and laziness.
According to PC World, failing to install the latest patches and updates for software is the top security risk for both business and private use.
Hackers can look for known exploits that the software creator closed and use them against people who haven't updated the software to close that security hole. Unlike with business-owned devices, your business really can't force employees to install software that will prompt updates, so it becomes a matter of training.
2. Use Cloud Apps
Cloud applications for both computers and mobile devices offer some excellent security benefits for your business, especially when your employees access them on personal devices. Cloud apps shift much of the data security burden to the server side, which alleviates many of the security problems that could come from traditional apps run on employee devices. Cloud email is an excellent example of this because the server can handle scans for phishing, malware and other malicious attacks before the content ever makes it to the employee device. Cloud apps generally run the most current software versions, so your business won't have to worry about employees running updates.
3. Encourage Strong Antivirus and Anti-Malware Practices on All Devices
While employees don't need to use the same security software your business runs on their personal devices, they do still need quality security software. There are many free and low-cost security programs for personal users that provide excellent protection. Your IT staff can help make recommendations for employees on personal devices.
4. Train to Avoid Phishing Scams
While security software and cloud apps do a great job of catching phishing scams, some still might slip through. That's why it's important to train your employees in how to identify and avoid phishing scams.
5. Use Strong Passwords, Password Managers and 2-Step Verification
Employees should also keep their accounts secure by using sophisticated access credentials. This means using 2-step verification for all accounts and programs when possible and using password managers to protect their credentials. Employees should be trained in creating strong passwords in the event that more advanced security techniques don't work.
6. Practice Public Wi-Fi Safety
In general, employees should avoid using public Wi-Fi when working with confidential information. If employees are going to do work on Wi-Fi outside of the home or workplace, they need to be trained in identifying fake access points and how to tell if a library, restaurant or other business's network is secure.
7. Consider Using Remote Wipe or Lock Software
As a final effort, your business should encourage employees to install software that allows them to remote wipe or lock mobile devices and laptops they are going to use for work purposes. That way if someone steals that device, the damage will be limited to the financial loss of the hardware and not related to a data security breach.
The IT consulting experts at ATS can help your business implement both software and training practices to help keep your data safe when employees use their personal devices for work. You can read our previous blog on tips for managing remote employees for even more information on keeping data safe. Contact us today to learn more.
Posted in: Security