Tips For Creating a BYOD Solution and Security Policy

Bring Your Own Device, or “BYOD” as it is more commonly referred to, is dramatically shifting of how companies today do business. Because of this mobile shift and dependency, the desire and ability for employees to work from anywhere is growing rapidly. Many companies that wouldn’t dream of allowing sensitive company information on a personal device just 5 years ago are now reaping the many benefits of having a mobile workforce. However, these organizations are also taking protective steps to ensure their data is protected with the implementation of a BYOD Security Policy.

The Benefits of BYOD Solutions

The shift to a BYOD world is happening because of a number of benefits a mobile workforce can provide:

• Worker Satisfaction: Many employees today prefer to work on the devices they know and love. Your organization will also draw in better applicants because they are drawn to companies providing the ability to work from anywhere.
  
• Increased Productivity: When employees are using the devices they are also using for personal connections, they are likely to respond faster to work-related items on that same device.
  
• Cost Savings: A BYOD solution can take away a number of expenses for the business. Costs for the hardware and service can be transferred from the company to the employee.

Creating A BYOD Security Policy

Threats like viruses, Malware, unsecured devices, and theft all put sensitive corporate data at risk. In order to prevent these problems, a BYOD security policy should be created, monitored and enforced within the organization. Doing so also helps to ensure everyone who uses their mobile device for work is under the same set of expectations and guidelines. When creating your policy, consider these tips:

Tip #1: Corporate Data Protection Policy: Employees should keep all company data separate from their personal data. Additionally, all business data should be encrypted so an unauthorized user cannot access the company data in a readable form.

Tip #2: Do Not Permit Compromised Devices: Mobile units that have been “jailbroken” or rooted should not be permitted for business use. Additionally, all approved devices must have a screen lock password enabled.

Tip #3: Implement A Mobile Security Management Tool: A security management suite like Mitel Sky ensures no one can access your company assets without enrolling first. In addition to the suite, the devices should stay up-to-date on all operating system upgrades in order to maintain the highest level of security.

Tip #4: Control All Offline Accessibility: For organizations with a high level of security, highly sensitive documents and applications should not be available on the local device. Permit access only when connected directly to the corporate network.

BYOD and Mitel

Mitel Sky enables businesses of all sizes to use their employees’ preferred smartphones and mobile devices right into their existing phone system. Mitel Sky is simple, secure and cost-effective. A mobile workforce can stay connected from anywhere, on any network – Wi-Fi or cellular. This can happen all while keeping business and personal mobile information separate.

At Millennia Technologies, we can help your organization make the transition to BYOD safely and securely. Contact us today to see how we can help you begin the journey to increased productivity, cost savings and workplace mobility with Mitel Sky.