With the growing trend of remote work and mobile technology, the lines between personal and professional lives are becoming increasingly blurry for lots of us. Using personal devices for work is definitely more convenient, but it also comes with quite a few security challenges. This is especially true in sectors like home care, where accessing sensitive data is a common necessity.

In this blog, we'll explore the risks of using personal devices for work and offer some tips on how you can help to reduce these risks.

The growing trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, has soared in popularity. Employees enjoy the flexibility and familiarity of using their own devices, and employers find it more cost-effective than equipping all their staff with sparkling new devices. However, this trend also brings several risks, particularly in sectors handling sensitive information, such as healthcare and home care services.

Security challenges of using personal devices

Data breaches and unauthorised access

Personal devices are more prone to data breaches compared to company-provided devices, mainly due to inconsistent security measures. If an employee's device is lost or stolen, sensitive information can easily fall into the wrong hands.

Lack of security updates

Not everyone regularly updates their devices with the latest security patches; we’ve all been guilty of hitting “postpone update”. Manufacturers must provide regular security updates and bug reporting mechanisms, but the user is responsible for keeping their device up to date. Failing to do so puts your device and information at risk.

Inadequate encryption

Personal devices might not have proper encryption, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept and access sensitive data. Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the correct decryption key.

Malware and phishing attacks

Personal devices are used for both personal and professional activities, increasing the risk of malware infections. Employees might unknowingly download malicious software or fall victim to phishing attacks which can then put the security of sensitive work data at risk.

File sharing and data leakage

Sharing files between personal and professional domains can result in data leakage. Employees might accidentally share sensitive files through insecure channels or with unauthorised parties.

Lack of centralised management

Without centralised app management, employees may use unauthorised or insecure apps to handle sensitive information. Centralised management ensures that only approved and secure applications are used, helping to cut down the risk of data breaches.

The importance of rules and regulations

A lack of clear rules and regulations regarding the use of personal devices for work can worsen security risks. It’s important that companies establish BYOD policies that address:

Device security standards

Make sure that you define minimum security standards for personal devices, including mandatory encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security updates, and strong password policies.

Acceptable use policies

Clearly outline acceptable use of personal devices for work purposes, specifying what activities are and aren’t allowed.

Access controls and monitoring

Implement access controls to make sure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information. It’s a good idea to take some time to ensure that these are regular monitored in order to detect and respond to security incidents as quickly as possible.

Strategies for mitigating risks

Centrally managed apps

Using centrally managed apps enhances security by restricting access to sensitive data within specific locations and contexts. For example, home care apps can be set up to only allow data entry when caregivers are with patients, preventing unauthorised access outside of work hours.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

One of the most effective ways to enhance the security of personal devices used for work is by implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access to sensitive information. It’s also pretty quick and simple to set up!

Remote access control

The ability to remotely revoke access to work apps and data is vital. If an employee's device is lost or stolen, or if they leave the company, their access to sensitive information can be immediately terminated, protecting the data from unauthorised access.

Regular security training

Educating employees about security best practices is essential. Regular training sessions can raise awareness about the risks of using personal devices for work, provide practical tips for safeguarding sensitive information, and give your employees a space to ask questions and get clarification on things they’re unsure about.

Asking the right questions

To better understand and reduce the risks, companies and employees should ask themselves questions like:

What are my vulnerabilities?

Identifying potential vulnerabilities in device security and usage patterns can help you to prioritise where your cybersecurity efforts are needed the most.

Are my devices up to date?

Ensuring that personal devices have the latest security updates and patches can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.

Am I using secure applications?

Using vetted and secure applications for work-related tasks minimises the risk of data breaches.

Do I know how to recognise phishing attempts?

Being able to identify and avoid phishing attempts can prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Need some support with your organisation’s cyber security? Contact us today to find out how we can help.