How to Limit Security Exposure When a Work Device Goes Missing
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Keeping data safe and protected is, and should be, one of the top priorities of any company. From the sensitive information that keeps your business running to the confidential data of your employees, it is vital to eliminate the chances of a security breach or at least keep it at a minimum.
Aside from being hacked or infected with malware, one of the instances that threaten the security of your data is when a work device gets lost or stolen. You need to be prepared in case this scenario happens by including protections for device data in your cybersecurity plan.
What Happens When a Work Device Gets Lost?
There are two main issues that you need to concern yourself with when a work device goes missing: lost equipment and a possible breach of security.
The chances of retrieving the lost device are quite slim, especially if the device was deliberately stolen. This means that the device will need to be replaced which will be an additional cost to the company.
The possible breach of security is a more serious consequence of this scenario. If you do not have any security measures installed in the lost device, the information and data that it contains can be easily accessed by anyone.
Among the various causes of data breaches globally, breach of user credentials is number one on the list. You need to have contingency measures in place to protect your data in case a work device is lost or stolen.
Helpful Tips to Mitigate Your Risk Due to a Lost Device
There are several security measures that you can put in place to avoid a data breach in case a work device gets lost or stolen. These include procedures that need to be done before a device goes missing as well as what you can do after the device disappears.
Keep your device physically secure
The best way to avoid data breaches because of missing devices is to not lose the device in the first place. Be mindful of your equipment and keep it with you at all times, especially if you are working outside the office.
If you are in a public area, be aware of your surroundings. There are people who will take a peek at what you are doing to try to see your passwords or any sensitive information that your device might display.
Implement authentication processes
By having authentication measures in place, you can protect your data even if a work device goes missing or gets stolen. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and biometrics will make it difficult for outside parties to access your device and data.
You can also implement a zero-trust security system to make your network more secure and make it even more difficult to steal and access your company’s data.
Encrypt your data
Encryption is one of the most commonly used forms of data security because of its effectiveness in keeping data secure. By encrypting your data, you will be adding another layer of protection against those who want to steal your information.
Encryption is not only beneficial for this situation. It should be a part of your whole cybersecurity system as it prevents data theft and the introduction of malware to your system.
Back up your files
Keep a backup of your important files to ensure that you will still have a copy even if you lose your work device. Backing up all your files is an important part of business continuity as well.
One of the most efficient ways of backing up your files is through the use of network drives. Compared to cloud storage, network drives can back up your data faster, they can be accessed locally, and they also provide better security.
Report missing devices immediately
All lost or stolen work devices must be reported immediately. This is because the longer your missing device goes unreported, the longer your data is at risk of being exposed. If the company is immediately informed of a lost or stolen device, it can activate security measures that can prevent a data breach.
In order for this policy to be effective, employees must not be reprimanded for reporting missing or stolen devices. Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing data breaches, which is why your employees should not be afraid to report missing work equipment, especially when equipment contains sensitive information.
Erase data
If worse comes to worst, be prepared to wipe the data on the lost or stolen device. This will prevent a data breach from happening because there will be no data left on the equipment.
As long as you back up your data regularly, wiping the memory of a missing device will not have a big impact on your system.
Improve Your Security with BrainStomp
Work devices can go missing anytime, anywhere. Be prepared for this situation with help from BrainStomp. Let us assist you in setting up safety measures against data breaches from lost or stolen devices.
Schedule a free consultation today! Call 260-918-3548 or reach out online.
