Whether you’re an avid “From the Orchard” reader or simply view our blog from time to time, it’s likely you’ve noticed that we do our best to keep you out in front of major security threats and aware of ways to help combat them in your organization. While it’s probably no surprise that corporate-provided and BYOD (bring your own device) mobile assets pose a substantial risk to your company data, it’s important to understand that a balance between technology solutions and human solutions is the best way to protect your organization from harm.
In a recent Tech Pro Research survey of chief information officers, technology executives, and IT employees, 45% of respondents saw mobile devices as the weak spot in their company’s defenses. As the proliferation of devices occurs across industries in companies of all sizes, you can be sure that if mobile security isn’t currently a problem, it will be at some point. Thankfully, another Tech Pro Research survey found that only 12% of companies have been hit by a mobile security breach. Therefore, now is the time for many companies to take action and prevent such an occurrence from happening.
The combination of enterprise mobility management (EMM) and mobile threat prevention (MTP) solutions is an obvious place to start. Through the use of an EMM platform, companies can better control individual and group access to things like Wi-Fi, email, apps and other key data points. They can also make device deployment seamless, help you scale and address growing complexities within your company, and encrypt sensitive data. With MTP layered on, you can proactively address the potential for cybersecurity threats, rather than being left in the lurch to respond once an attack has begun.
Despite the inherent value of these solutions, an article published today by Harvard Business Review makes an interesting point about the true risk of mobile devices in the workplace: “Yes, mobile devices can be a problem, but like most things in the security world, the issue isn’t necessarily the smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The problem is us. The solution is following security best practices, protecting corporate data, and educating humans — the real weakest link.”
This is where a comprehensive mobile strategy supported by mobile device usage policies and procedures (MDUP) come into play. At Tech Orchard, we have helped dozens of companies in a variety of industries get to the bottom of their mobile device management needs and more importantly, leverage our Mobility By Design process to achieve their mobility goals. We have in-depth expertise and experience crafting tailored policies and procedures that increase employee engagement in your mobility strategy, as well as encourage compliance and adherence to your expectations.
From educating upper management about the productivity, security and ROI benefits of a mobile strategy to getting employees on board with best practices for responsible device ownership and usage, we can help you address your company’s biggest security weakness from all angles. Contact us today for more information.
