Bring Your Own, Securely: BYOD Policies and Strategies for Business Networks

If you leverage BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in your organization, you might be in risk…

That’s right, your employees might be using unsecured devices that can open your business to security threats and vulnerabilities. Fortunately, there’s still a way to stay on top of things and keep your business secure. In this post, you’ll discover how to secure BYOD in business networks.

What Is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile device management generally refers to software that is used by IT administrators for mobile device administration and security. Mobile device management allows administrators to control, secure, and enforce policies on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Mobile device management is a component of both:

  • Unified endpoint management
  • Enterprise mobility management

This allows administrators to manage all endpoint devices from a single console. Mobile device management is used to optimize the security and functionality of mobile devices while also protecting the overall corporate network.

Why Is Mobile Device Management Important?

Mobile device management software has become a necessary protection for mobile security and device control because sometimes these devices are used to access critical data.

A mobile device management solution helps enforce security policies and can be used across multiple operating systems. It also empowers mobile application management which protects from potential threats coming in on employee devices.

Key features of a mobile device management platform include:

  • Mobile security
  • Enforcement of a mobile device management policy
  • Device inventory
  • Secure access
  • Role-based access
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Protection against cyber threats

Utilizing mobile device management ensures that your business-critical data doesn’t fall in the wrong hands.

How Mobile Device Management Works

Mobile device management is best described as a practice for an organization that may utilize a device management software solution for enhancing security, in addition to:

  • Policies
  • Device provisioning
  • Maintaining an active directory of devices

It is similar to mobile security, but it’s more device-centric approach to protect against the threats from a wide range of smart devices.

Issuing Smart Devices for Work

Mobile device management can be enhanced by an organization issuing smart devices for work purposes like a laptop, or smartphone, that have security software installed and are to be used as a dedicated work device. T

his fleet of devices will connect to a unified console and protect sensitive business information.

Issuing these devices also allows administrators to keep an active directory of devices which are connecting to the company’s network. Company-issued devices will help limit the use of individual devices which could pose a threat to the network’s security.

Creating Security Policies

In addition to having an active directory of devices, having policies in place protect the network by creating a process and system for the organization to follow. 

Plus, you can:

  • Install security apps to devices
  • Manage device lifecycles
  • Control the entire device fleet to ensure they are all up to date. 

Having a limited range of devices allows for mobile device security to be implemented across the entire fleet — making it easier to enforce mobile threat defense.

Mobile Device Management Best Practices

The best mobile device management solutions can help you:

  • Save time
  • Improve efficiency
  • Increase security
  • Boost production

Here are some of the most powerful best practices for a successful mobile device management:

  • Utilizing automated reports. This will help you manage the entire fleet of devices and make sure you have the proper mobile device management tools to fit your needs. It will also help prevent unauthorized access to business apps. These custom reports can help with remote monitoring and further customization options for your system.
  • Automatic updates. Stay ahead of potential cyber attacks and make sure your security posture is what you need for a strong security policy enforcement.
  • Easy search. You need to be able to easily search devices on your network to monitor potential threats to your network.

Supercharge Cybersecurity with Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is your partner for cybersecurity solutions for your organization. 

We have the expertise to help ensure you’re implementing the best practices to protect your valuable data. Book a FREE demo with our experts now and take your cybersecurity to the next level for your growing business!

FAQs

How would you secure mobile devices in your company?
You will need to make sure you’re using the appropriate mobile security software. By installing the proper security software like mobile antivirus, mobile anti-malware, and anti-spyware applications, you will protect your network from threats that come from using mobile devices for work.
How do organizations protect their data when employees use their own mobile devices?
By installing a mobile device management software on devices that will access the company’s network or protected data. Having an up-to-date list of employee devices that are used for work will help secure your data in addition to utilizing the MDM software.
What is a BYOD policy for small businesses?
This is the policy that outlines how employees will bring and use their personal devices for work. Having a clear BYOD policy can help protect your network and your valuable data.