Do you bring work home? DO NOT log into office computer until you read this…

The pandemic changed the working world. If you are connecting to your business network from home or some other remote location you may be using a personal device such as a smartphone,  personal tablet or laptop. Unless your unit is covered as a Bring-Your-Own Device (BYOD) under a Managed Services plan, you could unintentionally compromise your company’s network by introducing a virus. The devices that may be used for remote access to your systems MUST be under MSP’s monitoring to ensure regular patching, updating, and protection.

We can set up a way for your remote workforce to connect securely; call us now if you would like us to set up Managed Services: (201) 4931414.

Minimize Security Risk with BYOD

Laptop Working from HomeWe get it. SMB owners want to save money by leveraging the personal devices of their employees.  You should be aware that approach means that you cannot always control security safeguards with BYOD computers, laptops, phones, and other devices. Without proper security protection, a computer virus or other malware can be easily introduced into your business network and spread through your systems. As a result, it may cost you more than just the money saved on adding company-owned devices to your tech fleet. You will be paying considerably more for downtime, security threat remediation, data restoration, reputation management, and additional support.

When professionally implemented and active security safeguards are in place to protect every device, you save a lot more money in the long run. Enabling your employees to access business systems and networks from their BYOD units at any time improves productivity and business stability, If you have not done so yet, now is the good time to invest in a reliable computer network infrastructure with safeguards, capacity, and bandwidth to support your employees BYOD. Most importantly, look for solutions that offer scalability and security features to accommodate company needs long term. It will make your life easier, and benefit your organization for many more years.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are very popular not just for small businesses, but also for personal home use to store data such as media files – images, music, videos, and more. They are commonly shared by people between their various devices, often unknowingly violating copyright laws. Your IT staff cannot control the use and distribution of copyrighted materials, or the condition of the user’s personal computer or a network at the home office, leaving your systems vulnerable to viruses. Your business network may be compromised when malware gets transferred from one device to another.

Remember that all devices have their vulnerability – phones and tablets are commonly using public Wi-Fi connections and can be an easy target when proper security measures were disregarded. Laptops can make your systems vulnerable because users commonly use USB storage to share data between devices. Besides, anything mobile can be easily lost, stolen or destroyed; that would affect your sensitive data and possibly compromise your business.

Without professional, reliable security safeguards in place to protect personal devices used for business, you can put your entire organization at risk.

Is your SMB using BYOD? Not sure about their security?  We can help!

Get reliable, professional tech support:
call us (201) 4931414 to request a consultation today.

3 simple steps to prevent data loss and drastically minimize security risks when working with BYOD

  1. Create and enforce strict critical use policies.  Discourage or forbid the use of business-owned devices for personal use. It is especially important when sharing data is involved. Create a critical use policy, distribute it in writing and make your employees sign it. Don’t just stop there: enforce it with vigilance.
  2. Limit access to and use of critical sensitive business data. Analyzing important spreadsheets on your laptop while sipping mocha at a local cafe sounds great and feels productive. Hackers count on free Wi-Fi to give them an opportunity for data theft. You should not be allowing employees to walk away with your data on any device.
  3. Improve authentication methods.  There are several ways to restrict access to data. There are plenty of programs on the market to let IT admins to set controls to prevent use of certain programs unless prior authorization for accessing certain devices and applications had been set.

How is your state of IT? Call Us: (855) 551-7760 with any questions.