The increasing emergence of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies has both good and bad implications for business.
Employees get to use the device they device they are most comfortable with and employers enjoy increased productivity. But sensitive corporate data is very likely vulnerable to theft on employee-owned mobile devices.
Fortunately, help desk operators can take steps to fight back against these BYOD-created threats. Here are four strategies your company should implement to keep data secure, while supporting employees' choice to use their own laptops, smartphones and tablets in the workplace.
1. Encrypt All Data
Employees using public, often unencrypted Wi-Fi connections is one of the most significant and prevalent exposure points. In fact one study found 31 percent of corporate employees had used a laptop to connect to their company’s network through a public hotspot.
To curb this security risk, IT groups should distribute and manage Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions for all mobile devices. These tools encrypt transmitted data regardless of where or how it is accessed through mobile devices.
2. Have a Plan for Lost or Stolen Devices
Brandon Hampton, a director for MOBI Wireless Management, describes stolen devices as a “worst case scenario.” He said IT teams should have a specific action plan in their BYOD policy for dealing with this contingency.
This should include such steps as changing email, Dropbox and other passwords if they were installed on the device. Also, BYOD-ers should agree to install remote wiping and locking tools. Hampton suggested using a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
3. Monitor and Control Network Use
Speaking of MDM, administrators should integrate these systems with help desk software. This will help agents watch for network bottlenecks and ensure compliance with BYOD policies.
Granting BYOD users network access on two or three devices is great for productivity, but this can also tax networks. An MDM can track in real time when a device signs in, what users access, and whether it’s configured with the appropriate security software.
Another option is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution, which equips IT teams with tools for monitoring network, server and storage performance. It identifies a device causing a slowdown and automatically notifies an agent. Depending on the issue, they can then triage the issue to the appropriate response team.
4. Install Anti-malware/virus Infrastructure and Educate Users
Malware creation hit record highs last year with a reported 26 million new strains in circulation. This malicious software can wreak havoc on your company’s security if an infected smartphone, tablet or laptop is connected to your company’s network or email.
To combat these threats, IT teams should equip devices with anti-virus and anti-malware systems. These functions are sometimes wrapped into VPN or MDM software. Others can be installed separately to fight exposure to viruses, malware and spammers.
Experts also recommended help desks provide ongoing information on how to identify phishing techniques, poisonous apps and other virus-spreading tactics.
The New Help Desk Investment
All of these strategies add up to a significant shift in help desk operations and spending. The cost can seem daunting, but the decision now isn’t whether to make the investment but rather how much risk you are willing to take by doing nothing.
About the Author: Ashley Furness is the CRM Analyst at Software Advice—an online resource for help des and CRM software buyers guides and more.
