The ABC's of a Mobile Device Security Policy
The implementation of an enterprise mobile messaging app for your employees is an excellent way to securely communicate within an organization. But have you thought about your mobile device security policy? It's important to outline the procedures and regulations for employees downloading your organization's messaging solution to personal mobile devices. A set-in-stone security policy goes a long way toward protecting sensitive and important company information.
Secure Messaging and the ABC's of a Mobile Device Security Policy
You can't roll out a secure messaging platform to employees and expect them to use the technology appropriately without properly defining regulations and security standards. But what elements need to be included in a corporate mobile device security policy? Does it need to reflect industry regulations? Does it apply to both company-owned and BYOD devices? How do you address common threats such as data loss and software hacks?
As you outline your security policy for mobile messaging, keep in mind the ABC's:
- Account Accessibility: Once employees download the messaging app to their personal devices, they'll create an account to start messaging coworkers. To ensure accounts are being used appropriately and in line with company standards, designate an account manager to oversee employee use. The account manager should be able to access message records at any time without having to access an employee's device. If a team member has used the software improperly, the system administrator can remove their account immediately.
- Bolster Security: Whether it's the healthcare or financial industry, you can never be too careful when protecting corporate data. Messaging apps on mobile devices should be password protected and accessible only on a specific employee's device (with the exception of the system administrator). If an employee loses or replaces their mobile device, they should notify your IT department or system administrator immediately so the account can be temporarily deactivated.
- Control Capabilities: In addition to account accessibility, system administrators should be given complete control of messaging accounts. A short list of control capabilities includes:
- The ability to call-up and wipe data and message history
- Easy corporate and federal data retention compliance
- The tracking of account performance metrics and granular insights on employee usage
In the event that employees need to communicate with someone outside of the company -- a client, corporate partner, messenger, etc. -- system administrators can grant temporary access for guests using a unique username and password.
Your mobile device security policy lays the groundwork for employee use of secure mobile messaging software. A robust policy enables enterprise workforces to make use of everyday technology with improved safeguards against data loss and theft.
To learn more about secure messaging from NetSfere contact us today.
