How to Control Employee-Owned Mobile Devices

Mobility improves productivity but it also introduces a threat to business data security. Organizations need a proper plan to protect data stored on mobile devices and keep them secure. Especially while introducing a BYOD policy, organizations should consider several factors as a part of their enterprise mobility program. By implementing necessary policies along with a robust technology you can find the balance between allowing employees to use their own devices for work and the security of your business.

Organizations should create an end-to-end wireless policy and guidelines for all employees who use mobile devices in the workplace. Guidelines such as what type of data should not be stored on the devices, how to report a lost or stolen device, and more, should be shared with your employees. Also provide the strategies, procedures, and technologies they required to keep mobile devices secure.

Apart from strategies and monitoring employees’ behavior, organizations should also implement training programs to educate employees about the new and emerging security threats present when they use their own devices. They need to be sure that the applications and operating systems on employees’ mobile devices are patched and up-to-date.

The exposure of employee personal data can result in reputation damage and often costly fines as a result of non-compliance. Organizations should better understand how this information is being shared and what it means for compliance with data rules and regulations.

Implement solutions such as application control, mobile device management, and others to prevent hacking and malware infection. Also, use remote wipe, device encryption, and anti-theft technologies to minimize the risk of a data breach. Active use of technology like wireless expense management software can help with all of the above.