BYOD security

http://www.zdnet.com/article/at-t-pegs-top-cybersecurity-hotspots-to-watch-for-2015/http://www.zdnet.com/article/at-t-pegs-top-cybersecurity-hotspots-to-watch-for-2015/

This article discusses the security issues surrounding the bring-your-own-device, or BYOD, trend in the workplace.  The vice president of security services for the mobile business solutions team at AT&T claims that this trend is expected to reach its “inflection point” in 2015, as 2014 saw a huge increase in the use of these devices.  People tend to be less concerned with security on their mobile devices than they would be using a traditional computer.  These mobile devices are computers and need to be protected the same way.  When employees do not take proper precautions, such as installing malware or firewalls, their employer’s information could be compromised.

Some questions to think about

1.  Is it beneficial for an employer to allow the use of a BYOD?  Do the benefits outweigh the potential risks?

2.  Can sufficient precautions be taken to protect information, especially when it comes to certain fields, i.e. the medical field?