With the proliferation of employees bringing their own electronics to work (BYOD), organizations need to ensure these devices are seamlessly integrated into the company’s network. This includes network security protocols. Companies must determine which devices their network supports and if they are secure enough to be granted network access. Unsupportable devices pose a security risk.
Once added to the network, the operating system on each of the devices must be monitored to ensure that the correct version is installed. This ensures that programs communicate efficiently and all spyware, malware and anti-virus programs are up-to-date. Employees must know which applications are mandatory and prohibited on each device as well as safe search techniques to prevent unauthorized access and the accidental downloading of malicious software.
The BYOD policy must also include rules governing how to add or remove a device from the system along with a list of which individuals will have access to the network through their own device. These policies ensure that discarded devices no longer have access and new ones are integrated correctly.
The list of authorized users enables IT professionals to easily manage and control the number and type of devices involved. The variety of devices involved in a BYOD program means security protocols must be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Contact Jexet Technologies for assistance in creating or monitoring a BYOD program in your Chicago area organization.