Why Is BYOD A Security Threat?

Updated on 24/07/24

Personal phones, tablets, wearable tech – do you know how many of these are connected to your business networks and how many of your staff access company data on unsecured devices?

As businesses become more agile and dynamic, many have started to adopt a positive outlook on Bring Your Own Device policies, also known as BYOD. This hybrid approach appeals to staff and aims to increase workflow efficiency. However, despite good intentions, BYOD comes with security risks that can damage organisations.

This raises the question, why is BYOD a security threat?

In short, cloud-hosted services, integrated business apps and mobile staff have created the perfect storm for new attack vectors. Instead of targeting the company infrastructure, hackers can now hedge a decent bet that if they can compromise an employee\’s mobile device, it will contain sensitive data or accounts that they are looking to exploit.

We’ll answer why is BYOD a security threat below, including more about BYOD security risks and whether your business should adjust its Bring Your Own Device policy.

Why Do Businesses Have BYOD Policies?

Businesses with BYOD policies benefit from lower software and hardware costs. It’s also easier for employees to keep track of a single device, while research has shown that BYOD programs increase employee productivity. In fact, according to Forbes, one-third of organizations have knowingly sacrificed security for expediency or business performance.

However, despite the increase in productivity, BYOD models can lead to employees introducing weaknesses into their employer’s network. BYOD security risks include the following:

• Data Theft: Improperly managed personal devices can give cybercriminals a chance to steal valuable corporate information.
• Malware: Employees may download malicious files that seem innocent, like a mobile game, to their devices. This malware could be passed through the organisation’s network when they next log in from the device.
• Stolen/Lost Devices: Missing devices can lead to breaches. For example, an employee might store personal and work passwords in a notes application. Someone who has the device can use these passwords to hack accounts.
• Unsecure WiFI Access: Staff may use personal devices with unsecured networks in public places. This makes them vulnerable to cyber threats, like snooping.
• Shadow IT: Employees may download unauthorised applications that can access company information or introduce security weaknesses.

Without complete device observability and control of devices that handle business data, it is almost impossible for security teams to see how that data is used, stored or exfiltrated. With all the complications caused by the challenges presented above, it’s no wonder that most companies don’t know where to start.

Assessing BYOD Policies

Before tackling BYOD, it’s important to understand the business processes that may result in an employee using their own device.

Any security considerations put in place before understanding the impact can have detrimental knock-on effects to both staff and customers. Most users would not do this maliciously or with direct intent to circumvent policy, they are simply trying to do their job as efficiently as possible, especially when they are on the move.

However, if you impede the natural flow of business with red tape and restrictive controls, users will undoubtedly attempt to find ways around them, and often do.

To assess BYOD security risks and weigh up the rewards, consider the following:

• Talk to your staff – how does the business currently integrate BYOD usage?
• Do staff access business data from personal devices such as email, shared drives etc?
• Are personal devices accessing business networks and infrastructure?
• If a BYOD device went missing or was stolen, can sensitive data potentially be accessed on it?
• What technical controls can we put in place to monitor or restrict any of the major risks?

How To Prevent BYOD Security Threats

Though BYOD presents security concerns, there are things you can do to prevent threats from occurring.

Organisations can implement the following methods to increase enterprise security with BYOD policies:

• Have staff use a virtual private network (VPN) when viewing company information. A VPN will encrypt the data and prevent hackers from accessing the information.
• Train employees on correct security policies, like avoiding email downloads with attachments from unknown senders, or sharing passwords between team members.
• Scan BYOD devices frequently to detect malware and additional security threats.
• Have stringent password policies in place, like having staff use strong passwords that are changed frequently.

BYOD Technical Controls

Ultimately, if you’re wondering how to prevent BYOD security threats, there is no silver bullet against BYOD security risks. Every organisation is different, but there are some technical controls worth mentioning. Technical controls are certain software and hardware additions that defend systems against cyberattacks.

You can install mobile management software on BYOD devices. This lets IT departments wipe the devices clean if they are stolen or lost. Mobile service providers such as Vodafone, O2 and EE offer flexible mobile solution plans. Microsoft provides ActiveSync for Exchange accounts and there are endpoint monitoring solutions that can cover most of your bases.

The power is in your hands, but must be balanced against a budget and acceptable risk.

There we have it! We hope this post helped answer why is BYOD a security threat and helped you understand whether you should adjust your business’s policy.

For advice on assessing security risks and threats specific to your organisation, reach out to our experts here at Net Consulting and we’ll guide you through your BYOD journey.

Give us a call on +44 (0)29 2097 2020 or send us a message through our contact form.

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