Tag Archive for: policy

Bring your own device (BYOD) is a trend that has grown in popularity because of the convenience it offers employees, but it also presents a serious security risk. If an employee’s personal device is not appropriately secured, it can become a potential entry point for attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate information. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to strengthen BYOD security. Here’s how you can do just that.

Establish a BYOD policy

The first step in securing personal devices used for work is to establish a clear BYOD policy. This policy should include guidelines for acceptable use of personal devices and security protocols such as device encryption, password policies, and data backup requirements. It should also define the types of data that can be accessed on personal devices and the consequences of policy violations.

Use mobile device management (MDM) software

MDM software allows companies to manage mobile devices from a centralized console. It provides administrators with control over the configuration, application installation, and security settings of mobile devices. With MDM software, administrators can establish company-wide security policies as well as monitor and wipe data from compromised devices.

Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access company data. This typically includes a combination of passwords and one-time verification codes generated by a third-party authenticator app. By implementing 2FA, the security of a device doesn’t solely depend on the strength of its user’s passwords. Hackers will need to gain access to both authentication factors to hack company devices, which can be incredibly difficult.

Conduct regular security training

Educating employees on security best practices is crucial for any organization. Employees need to be aware of the risks associated with using personal devices for work-related tasks. Companies should conduct regular security training sessions to help employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining the security of company data.

Monitor and enforce compliance

It’s essential to monitor the use of personal devices and ensure compliance with the company’s BYOD policy. This can be done through regular audits, periodic security assessments, and the use of security tools to detect unauthorized access attempts.

Establishing a robust security framework for BYOD is essential for any organization. Companies can work with a managed service provider to ensure that their BYOD security measures are up to date and effective. Call us today and let us help you strengthen your BYOD security.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

November 30th — is National Computer Security Day, an annual event observed since 1988 to help raise awareness worldwide of computer-related security issues. It should also serve as a reminder to small business owners to protect their computer networks from hackers, fraudsters and identity thieves.

Computer security is sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or IT (information technology) security. It applies to the protection of computer-based equipment, the information stored on and services related to it from unauthorized and unintended access, change or destruction, including unplanned events and natural disasters.

Recently, the public opinion research company Ipsos Reid released the findings of a survey of U.S. small businesses revealing that many of them do not fully comprehend the impact a data breach can have on them. As a result, they take a passive approach to safeguarding sensitive information that leaves them vulnerable not only to a breach but potentially devastating financial and reputational damage as well.

The survey also found that:

  • Sixty-nine percent of small business owners are not aware or don’t believe that lost or stolen data would result in financial impact and harm to their businesses credibility.
  • Forty percent have no protocols in place for securing data.
    More than one-third of the respondents report that they never train staff on information security procedures.
  • Forty-eight percent have no one directly responsible for management of data security.
  • Just 18 percent would encourage new data privacy legislation requiring stricter compliance and penalties to information security threats.

Computer Security Day is an excellent time to ensure that your company is following best practices to protect yourself from data breach and identity theft. They include:

  • Analyzing possible security gaps in your organization and within your supply chain.
  • Implementing ongoing risk analysis processes and creating a security policy specifically designed to limit exposure to fraud and data breaches.
  • Regularly training employees in proper document management and encouraging their adoption of security best practices.
  • Implementing a “shred-all” policy for unneeded documents and keeping sensitive materials under lock and key until they are destroyed.
  • Paying particular attention to hard drives on computers or photocopiers. The only way to destroy data stored on hard drives is physical destruction.
  • Installing and using effective computer network protection such as anti-virus software and a firewall.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.