Bring Your Own Device or “BYOD” as it is more commonly referred as, means a company allows their employees to use their personal communication devices for work-related activities. It’s a move that not only can cut expenses, but enhances and improves employee productivity. In a study by Tech Pro Research, they report that about 60% of companies now allow their staff to use their own devices for business. But with all the sensitive company information floating on devices that aren’t controlled by the company, many IT professionals get concerned this move puts the organization’s data and software at risk. However, with the proper BYOD security policy in place, it is possible to safely take advantage of all the benefits this mobile transition can offer.

 

Truth #1: Personal Devices Need Monitoring and Protection

Because of this, you should install a reputable security product that protects the personal devices being used. Utilizing a reputable mobile antivirus product will help to protect the system from a host of outside threats. When selecting the service, check user reviews and expert opinions.

 

Truth #2: Protect In-House Systems, Too

Confidential company information must be protected, regardless of what devices have access to it. Software should be implemented that makes it difficult for outsiders to obtain sensitive information. This information should include:

Real-Time Traffic Scanner: Monitors any suspicious activities

• Malware Removal: Detects and removes threats
• Scanning Engine: Checks and analyzes traffic and sites being accessed

 

Truth #3: Encrypt Company Files and Communication

After converting to BYOD, all types of devices contain sensitive information including financial details and private corporate communications. This is exactly the type of information that is sought out by hackers looking to sell it to the highest bidder. Because of this, encryption methods should be implemented. The easiest way most companies encrypt data is through a solution like a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

 

Truth #4: Avoid Spyware

Spyware tools monitor online traffic to retrieve data from your system. However, if the system becomes infected, spyware causes issues like slow-downs, excessive pop-up advertisements, and annoying error messages. These annoying problems can quickly turn into a crisis when corporate data gets thrown into the mix. To prevent these types of problems, these precautions should be taken:

• Avoid unknown emails and social messages from unknown senders
• Avoid putting excessive personal information on social media
• Avoid free software downloads onto any systems containing corporate data

 

Truth #5: Back Everything Up. Yes, Everything

It’s simply not a choice anymore whether or not to back up your systems, it ‘s a necessity with a multitude of devices carrying your company information virtually everywhere. Today’s data breaches come from a multitude of sources, including ransomware that blocks systems for a ransom payment, as well as aggressive Malware that steals information and erases it after the fact.

 

Truth #6: Passwords are King

Nothing protects systems better than strong passwords, so every personal and corporate account should require access with passwords that contain letters and numbers as well as capitalization. Implement policies that require BYOD users to create a multitude of passwords as well as double authentication practices that better protect all private information. And lastly, prevent the browser from filling in the password credentials.

 

BYOD is a wonderful convenience, and many companies have found it to be an answer to many productivity and budgetary issues, but it must be done wisely. However, with the appropriate precautions in place, your company can remain protected while enjoying the conveniences that BYOD provides.

If you would like more information about BYOD security for your business, or to speak with one of our phone system specialists, please feel free to contact us today at: (801) 917-6659.

When you meet an exceptional communicator, you usually know it within seconds of talking with that person. They radiate a confidence about their message that typically resonates with you. From the tone they speak with to the body language they use, it is clear they have dedicated time and energy into making sure their words are heard and better yet, that those words inspire action from those they are speaking to. So, what’s the secret to becoming a great business communicator? It starts with focusing on a few key business communication solutions, including:

 

Always Consider Your Audience

Walking into a room full of people who are eager to hear what you have to say means scaling back on trying to sound like an expert or bragging about your accomplishments or expertise. Truly understanding your audience means knowing what that audience wants and providing them with quality information they can actually do something with. A word of caution though, this doesn’t mean simply telling your audience exactly what you think they want to hear, you need to be honest and thorough, even if it means the content they receive isn’t exactly what they had hoped for.

 

Open Ears Creates an Open Mind

Excellent business communicators know how to use their ears, too. Communicating is a two-way process and great leaders know that often what they hear from others is more important than anything they may have to say. Great communicators don’t interrupt or try to formulate what they are going to say next before the other person has finished speaking, they wait until the other person stops speaking so they can fully process the other perspective.

 

Take Responsibility for Your Words

When a great communicator says something wrong, they admit it. They aren’t waiting around for someone to point out what they did wrong, they take ownership of it before it becomes a distraction from the rest of the information they are trying to convey. Accountability is important for both the words used as well as the actions taken. This is true even if it would have been easier to not point out the error at all. Also, when a great communicator admits a mistake, they do it with humility and tact.

 

Ask for Feedback

Experienced communicators know that there is always room for improvement, so they are constantly asking for feedback (both positive and negative) to learn and grow from. They verify   their message was understood by the audience and they humbly accept suggestions as to how that message could have been conveyed more clearly. They also never blame an audience for the lack of understanding, but they adjust their message to better meet the needs of their audience.

 

One of the main similarities between all great communicators is their ability to be honest and authentic with others. They value the importance of communication in the workplace and with an audience and because of this, they excel in many other areas of leadership. If you would like more information about effective communication techniques for better leadership, or to speak with one of our phone system specialists, please feel free to contact us today at: (801) 917-6659.

 

It seems as if no business is safe from falling victim to a data breach anymore. Target, Apple, Ashley Madison and a host of others have found themselves at the arms of hackers looking to steal, sell and compromise confidential information and data.  And it isn’t just big companies either, in a recent study, it is reported that 55% of local businesses in the United States have experienced some form of security breach. Unfortunately, this is happening because businesses are not taking the proper security precautions to prevent unauthorized access to information. So how do you take precautions in case a data breach occurs at your company? Consider these tips:

 

Preparation #1: Evaluate Your Insurance Coverage

Taking a look at your insurance policies may uncover a highly beneficial coverage commonly referred to as cyber liability. You will want to know and understand the level of coverage you currently have and what it will cover in the event of a breach. If you don’t have this coverage within your business insurance, call your carrier to add it.

 

Preparation #2: Create a Data Breach Response Plan

After an attack, the organization may need to respond to a massive amount of inquiries, questions and phone calls from customers and impacted users, you must have a documented plan in place to address this as quickly as possible following the breach. Additionally, you may have to address the media, so create a response plan that outlines who will be authorized to speak on behalf of the company as well as what type of response is appropriate.

 

Preparation #3: Develop a Restitution Plan

After an attack, many companies are now providing credit monitoring services to those who were impacted by the breach. Additionally, you may want to familiarize yourself with an outside firm with experience in helping companies rebuild after a security breach.

 

Preparation #4: Conduct Security Trainings

If possible, hold special training sessions designed to help your employees understand proper policies and procedures that are being put in place that help to safeguard the business. Teach the importance of proper password protection, cloud security processes, mobile policies and any other security-related items they should be honoring on a daily basis.

 

In today’s technical landscape, it is important for all business, both large and small, to acknowledge and prepare for the possibility of a data breach. Without the proper precautions in place, a business can suffer tremendous financial losses. Additionally, the overall credibility of your business may come into question. And although taking these precautions doesn’t safeguard you from an attack, they will help you to react quickly and appropriately if you experience one.

If you would like more information about preparing your business for a data breach, or to speak with one of our phone system specialists today, please feel free to contact us today at: (801) 917-6659.