Mar 26, 2014

With the increasing sophistication of threats, it’s no surprise that organizations want to secure their documents when possible. Mobile devices are making this effort more difficult, but with the right tools, IT teams can ensure that users can leverage their hardware effectively without compromising sensitive information. However, if employees are hesitant to adopt the bring-your-own-device initiative in the first place, it can be challenging to ensure that they observe best practices for data safety. File sharing solutions can help businesses drive protected information transfer processes and ensure that only approved users can view documents.

It’s no surprise that decision makers are concerned over the security of their essential assets and constantly seek out measures to prevent risks. However, according to a recent survey by AdaptiveMobile, more than 80 percent of employees would worry if their employers could see their activity at all times, and 70 percent would stop using their mobile devices if managers could remotely wipe or lock them. This comes in addition to the three-quarters of enterprises that cannot meet 80 percent of mobile security needs despite 91 percent of companies having strategies established to prevent risks. These findings demonstrate that organizations must find new ways to protect data and ensure that breaches are effectively mitigated. Decision makers also have to communicate the policies and procedures throughout the business to ensure that staff understand what their role is.

“Without a new approach to mobile security, employers risk losing the savings they would accrue with BYOD remaining responsible for providing the devices and connectivity to all employees,” AdaptiveMobile CCO Gareth Maclachlan said. “To prevent employees rejecting BYOD and maintaining control over their personal device and usage, a solution is needed that maintains user privacy, whilst also keeping the enterprise free from exposure.”

Gauging device security needs
Mobile hardware has added a layer to the security picture that makes protecting information more challenging to accomplish. According to American News Report, applications requiring personal information were declined or uninstalled by more than half of app users. This shows that device owners are becoming more concerned with the safety of their data. Many organizations have adopted the same mentality, calling for privacy policies from third-party developers to ensure that their privacy needs will be met. With a secure file sharing platform such as Memeo C1, for example, businesses can ensure that they have oversight into their important data, with wiping capabilities when needed. This will prevent unapproved individuals and external parties from compromising information while allowing employees to use their devices as they please.

“Regardless of our beliefs whether a system is secure, it is our responsibility as Information Assurance professionals to never trust what any company or person says until we evaluate the risks for ourselves,” Daniel Ford, faculty member of Capitol College in Laurel, Md., told American News Report.

Protecting information is essential to business continuity. With the right tools, organizations can establish security measures and enable staff to leverage their mobile devices effectively.