By Isabel Ticlo / 28 Feb 2017 / Topics: Mobility Modern workplace Microsoft Azure Cybersecurity
According to the Forrester Report, Best Practices For Securing And Empowering A Mobile Workforce, traditional work procedures are being disrupted by the rise of millennials in the workforce, increasing employee demand for technology flexibility and a focus on the employee experience. While mobility leads to greater collaboration, communication and productivity, it’s also changing the way small businesses approach security.
When it comes to our personal devices, we’re quick to use them to sign in to everything from email accounts to banking profiles — while also giving applications permission to grant access to third-party sites when prompted to do so. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are our constant companions, but what happens when we bring them into professional work environments? Our personal devices can become gateways to crucial company information.
Devices are now an alarm clock, health tracker, web browser, email client and music player. And they’re distracting, especially at the office. So how can we minimize the interruptions from our phones to increase productivity at work? Here are a few tips:
It’s possible that you’re just now feeling caught up with the email you received over the holidays. Or maybe you’ll never really feel that way — the struggle is real. Having an email organization strategy and a few email management tips can be a lifesaver when you’re getting back to the office after a few well-deserved days off:
Figure 1 identifies areas where the IT security respondents saw the greatest rise in potential IT security risks: 86% said mobile devices, 73% said third-party applications, 40% said mobile and remote employees, 38% said negligent insider risk, 36% said lack of system connectivity or visibility, 35% said their PC desktops and laptops, and 30% said cloud computing providers.
In spite of the risks associated with endpoint devices, companies need BYOD policies to stay competitive in today’s growing market.
In order to give your team the fast, reliable and flexible work environment they need to help your business grow, mobility is a must. With the right controls and management practices integrated into your small business security strategy, you can leverage BYOD to increase efficiency, reduce company device costs, and create better employee and customer experiences.
The first step in developing a proper mobile strategy is to evaluate your current state of business. Ask yourself the following questions:
Forrester has created a risk continuum to guide BYOD security decision-making. It suggests that employees who fall into the low-risk profile and need basic applications to complete everyday assignments can jump in with open access and little or no security, controls or restrictions. Those who have a high-risk profile and deal with critical company data, customer information and employee credentials need to be restricted to corporate devices. Those in between are eligible to access personal devices with security controls in place to make sure applications, browsers and documents are secure.
It’s important to note that successful BYOD security policies must be adaptable since they fluctuate according to changing teammate job functions, work requirements and technology. According to the Forrester report, when businesses look for tools to better manage security around devices, many companies:
The hit single “9 to 5” was released in 1980, when workers were tethered to their desks. Today, smartphones and laptops are basic accessories, enabling employees to complete their tasks whenever and wherever they choose.
Don’t let security concerns deter you from enabling greater flexibility and mobility for your business. Start by addressing your core business needs and develop a BYOD program that fits your objectives. Once you have a solid practice in place, continue to provide training and support to help your teammates manage and use their devices effectively.
As a result, your business will save money, increase productivity and boosts employee satisfaction.
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