Does BYOD Pose Security Risks When Sharing Files?

There are concerns over security breaches when sharing files, but not what you're thinking

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BYOD Security Risks
Collaboration

Published: July 23, 2019

Ian Taylor Editor

Ian Taylor

Editor

An Enterprise Mobility Exchange survey revealed, 52 percent of enterprise leadership share concerns about the ‘accidental file/screen sharing of delicate business data’ when using video conferencing and collaboration tools. That same poll showed business leaders have similar concerns about firewalls, unsecured Wi-Fi, and the lack of password protection.

There may be good news for enterprises, file sharing across video conferencing software and collaboration tools presents a low risk for ‘accidental sharing,’ according to Joel Windels, CMO at NetMotion. He said the risk of accidental exposure when sharing files through these tools lies in the software and network users connect to.

“File exchanges are safe when using trusted networks. Connecting to insecure or open Wi-Fi networks is what increases exposure to attacks and other forms of data loss.”

Windels told UC Today, the most immediate threat to employees sharing files is less about the tool or app they use. He believes the risk has more to do with the possibility of human error and speculates social engineering remains the most compelling point of entry for cyber attackers.

Hackers use APIs to Acquire Customer Data

According to Motherboard, on August 20, 2018, hackers stole encrypted passwords and personal data (account numbers included) along with billing information, and emails of an estimated two million T-Mobile customers. Although they didn’t access data via consumer devices, they managed to find a way in, through an API, exposing security risks involving APIs. One central lesson arises from this unfortunate event, for all the conveniences APIs lend – they still put companies at risk for a digital intrusion.

This made me consider, does BYOD present security threats for enterprises? I quickly found answering that question would open up Pandora’s Box, but the fact is most companies that allow employees to bring their device to work typically use Cloud-based platforms that have extended capabilities because of APIs. Enterprise Mobility Exchange’s survey, therefore, demonstrates there is no ‘one way’ for hackers to get consumer data, meaning in the world of Unified Communications and telecoms, professionals should be concerned about the possibility of a breach through APIs.

User Experience in a BYOD World

Developers often face a double-edged sword when creating video conferencing apps and collab tools. Although developers want end users to have a seamless experience across all media, they have restrictions that include encryption requirements that help maintain the integrity of data. They also address the challenge of making the experience intuitive for end-users.

“One of the biggest shifts in the corporate world is a growing BYOD workforce, and maintaining app compatibility and security is an immense undertaking for IT teams. BYOD makes this even more complicated when employees introduce Android/iOS devices that aren’t up-to-date with the latest security patches,” said Windels.

Whether we like it or not, BYOD is a growing trend. A report by Global Market Insights report found Enterprise Mobility along with BYOD will reach $366.95 billion USD by 2022. With this in mind, we must adapt security to match a larger mobile workforce. It is also our duty to keep video conferencing and collaboration tools as user/integration-friendly as possible.

BYODDigital TransformationFuture of WorkUser ExperienceVideo Conferencing
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