Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is an increasingly common workplace trend. As smartphones and tablets have proved to be powerfully productive, employees are bringing personal gadgets to help simplify various workplace tasks. BYOD happens to be an easier and cheaper alternative than anything else. It’s also been proved that it leads to a happier and more productive workforce. The only visible drawback is the security risk when employees bring their personal smartphones to work. However, various vendors are coming up with sustainable solutions that can mitigate these security risks without impacting on the benefits of BYOD. Below are a few of the most useful tools.
1. Lock Screens for basic security
This is obviously a no-brainer, but it’s an effective an easy-to-implement basic security mechanism. Android, like all other major mobile operating systems, allow their users to secure their devices using password-protected lock screens. Normally, a device owner will set up a lock screen to safeguard his or her private data, call logs and messages from prying eyes. However, in the case of a business practicing BYOD, it’s important to ask employees to keep their smartphones locked down with a pin or simple password. Of course, inputting this password each time you need to unlock your device can be quite hectic, but it’s a very important step when it comes to preventing data loss, more so when a handset is lost. This proactive approach on basic security can go a long way towards averting future risks related to sensitive information.
2. Avast for device security
Google created Android to be an open and flexible ecosystem. But that design approach has made it less secure especially when compared to competitors such as Apple’s iOS. Nevertheless, Google’s ecosystem is a major advantage for power users, just provided that they take the necessary measures to ward off various security risks. One of the most common mistakes that users make is download apps from unsecured sources. Malicious software can promptly cause sensitive information to be compromised, more so for small firms practicing BYOD. Avast happens to be one of the best security suites available for Windows PCs and Android smartphones. Since the app is free, there’s no need for additional security budget.
3. AirWatch for device management
AirWatch is an established name in the enterprise security systems niche. Small business practicing BYOD, especially those that traffic sensitive customer data, need more control over personal devices. Implementing a comprehensive mobile=device-management system can be a solid solution. AirWatch provides a web portal where business owners can register each personal device belonging to an employee, and remotely configure settings to mediate access to company email, distribution of specific applications and other security policies. AirWatch’s secure system allows employers to maintain security while allowing their employees to bring personal devices to work.As BYOD becomes more commonplace, these simple security tools can make all the difference.Image Source:
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