Managing device security for a hybrid workforce

Company data may not always be contained to the office or headquarters, it may roam the world: on café tables, in backpacks on busy subway cars, and at the airport.

And with every corporate mobile device carrying sensitive information, a stolen device or an unsecured Wi-Fi connection, can leave that data in the wrong hands.

Table of contents:

• Common pitfalls in enterprise security for hybrid work models
• How to manage device security for a hybrid workforce
• Secure mobile device security with Samsung Knox unified endpoint management

Common pitfalls in enterprise hybrid workforce security

There are several mistakes organizations make when managing device security for a mobile workforce that arises from systemic or strategic oversights—often because hybrid work is a relatively new landscape. Many companies are still adapting to the workforce security risks that come with employees working across multiple locations, using a mix of personal and company devices.

The four most common mistakes are:

1. Failure to recognize the importance of hybrid workplace cybersecurity
   Many organizations fail to see the overarching importance of securing mobile devices in hybrid workforces. Each device is a potential target for hackers and so is the data it contains. This includes corporate-owned and regulated data, which can easily get co-mingled with personal data – including social media content, cloud services and apps.
   
   
2. Underestimating cyber threats
   Some organizations perceive cyber threats as intangible or unlikely, leaving them in a severely disadvantages position to deal with modern attacks, such as ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats, that are becoming more sophisticated and frequent.
   
   
3. Weak or unenforced BYOD and COPE policies
   Organizations may understand the risks but fail to implement and enforce BYOD and COPE policies for their employees. This lack of strict workforce security protocols can leave organizations vulnerable to data breaches and malware.
   
   
4. Lack of a security-first culture
   Mistakes can happen even in organizations that understand the risks of mobile devices in the hybrid workplace cybersecurity space. Without leadership buy-in and a security-focused culture, employees are left undertrained and disengaged on the importance of device and data security issues, creating systemic vulnerabilities.These mistakes can lead to a number of security risks. Data breaches are the most significant, impacting businesses, employees, and customers. Thankfully, there are proven ways to secure a hybrid workforce.

How to manage device security for a hybrid workforce

The hybrid worker expects to be able to work anywhere, on any Wi-Fi connection and on any device. Many use their personal devices leaving IT with less control. However, there are things IT admins can do to manage hybrid work device security:

1. Implement and enforce BYOD and COPE policies: Set clear guidelines for BYOD, and COPE devices and enforce clear security protocols.
2. Invest in employee training on device security: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, like recognizing phishing attempts, maintaining strong passwords, and working securely when remote.
3. Adopt multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring employees to have more than just passwords for accessing company data and systems, making it harder for threats to gain access.
4. Adopt operating system (OS) update plans: Carefully plan OS updates around your enterprise’s needs to ensure no downtime or unexpected surprises and costs.
5. Keep unauthorized apps in check: Implement tools and solutions to monitor and control the use of unapproved applications and services, ensuring that all apps comply with security standards.
6. Regularly update and patch software: Ensure employee devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches—no matter where they are—without relying on user action. This locks down weak spots and keeps cybercriminals from finding a way in.
7. Enforce remote lock and wipe policies: Ensure that IT teams can remotely lock or wipe devices through an enterprise mobility management solution in case of loss or theft.
8. Enhance cloud security: Configure cloud-based systems with strong security settings, enforce encryption and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations. Some UEM solutions will offer a comprehensive single-screen view to easily see vulnerability reporting at a glance.
9. Implement real-time monitoring and response: Set up continuous monitoring for potential vulnerabilities and have a clear incident response plan in place to quickly mitigate damage.

This list might sound daunting, however, many of these security practices are fully supported by an enterprise mobility management (EMM) or unified endpoint management (UEM) solution.

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