Why BYOD security is a risk for businesses

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7 reasons to tighten up your BYOD policy

1. Data leaks

Allowing employees to access emails and business data from personal devices increases flexibility but also introduces potential risks. Mobile devices are particularly vulnerable, with users three times more likely to click on malicious email links, which are responsible for up to 91% of cyberattacks.

Once compromised, a device can become a gateway for attackers to access sensitive information. They may read and extract business data, misuse stored credentials to reach restricted areas of your corporate network and delete or download critical files. To protect your business, it’s essential to implement strong mobile security protocols and educate users on safe digital practices.

2. Lost or stolen devices

Lost or stolen devices represent a significant security threat.  T-Mobile reports that up to 41% of data breaches may be tied to misplaced laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Without proper security measures in place, such as strong authentication and encryption, these devices can provide unauthorized users with direct access to sensitive company data.

3. Jailbroken devices

Jailbreak is a term used to describe the intentional removal of restrictions on devices. The most common case of this is to bypass the limits imposed by service providers. While this may make the device more user-friendly for the individual, it poses increased risks for the organization.

According to estimates, 9% of all iPhones are jailbroken, and a similar percentage of Android devices are rooted, which can expose businesses to security threats. Moreover, few businesses have jailbreak detection mechanisms in place to safeguard their IT infrastructure.

4. Limited control

One of the challenges with BYOD is the limited control IT teams have over personal devices, which makes enforcing security policies, applying updates, and monitoring activity more difficult. To safeguard company data, businesses may want to implement tools like Mobile Device Management (MDM) or install security software.

However, these measures must be balanced with respect for employee privacy. Some users may be uncomfortable with features such as remote wiping or mandatory encryption on their devices.

5. Unsecure networks

Cybercriminals frequently target public Wi-Fi networks such as those found in airports, cafes, and hotels. When employees use these unsecured connections to access work systems, your company’s data becomes vulnerable. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over public networks, potentially gaining access to sensitive business information and internal systems.

Adding to the risk, browsers and mobile apps often cache information such as meeting notes, login credentials, and shared files in local storage. This data may also be automatically synced across personal devices through third-party accounts (e.g., Google, Apple, or Microsoft), increasing the chances of accidental exposure on less secure platforms.

6. Device incompatibility problems

The diversity of personal devices and operating systems can make implementing BYOD complex. Employees often switch between different devices, each with its own hardware, software versions, and network security protocols. This variety makes it difficult to assess security risks consistently and apply a one-size-fits-all solution.

IT teams face added challenges in providing reliable support across a wide range of platforms, which can increase complexity, resource demands, and support costs. Additionally, not all devices integrate smoothly with company systems, potentially resulting in inconsistent performance and user experiences.

7. Compliance issues

Implementing BYOD can complicate compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX, all of which demand strict data governance, security, and auditability. When personal and business data are not properly separated or managed, the risk of legal and regulatory violations increases.

Allowing employees to store corporate information on personal devices heightens the potential for data exposure. If a device is lost or stolen and sensitive data isn’t adequately protected, the organization may face serious compliance breaches and must take immediate, often costly, remediation steps to prevent unauthorized access.