How do you keep your employee devices secure?

Employee devices, such as laptops and smartphones, often have access to sensitive company data and accounts. It's crucial for businesses to prioritize the security of these devices, especially with the increased use of remote access and personal devices for work (BYOD). Protecting employee devices is a key aspect of overall business security, but it can be especially challenging given the widespread use of remote work and the use of personal devices. To ensure the security of your company's data and accounts, it's important to implement effective device security measures, such as device encryption, strong passwords, and regular software updates.

This can be a much harder task for small businesses that do not have dedicated resources for security or endpoint protection. According to CISA, iPads are designed with security in mind, making them a safe and secure option for both personal and professional use. Here are some key reasons why iPads are secure by design:

1. Strong hardware security: iPads are equipped with hardware-based security features, such as the Secure Enclave, that protect your personal information and data from unauthorized access. The Secure Enclave is a dedicated chip in the iPad's A-series processor that stores sensitive information, such as your biometric data and cryptographic keys. It is isolated from the rest of the system, making it virtually impossible to hack.
2. Password protection: iPads require a password or biometric authentication (such as Face ID or Touch ID) to unlock, providing an extra layer of security for your device. This prevents anyone from accessing your device without your permission. And, with the adoption of Passkeys, devices will act as the private key in the cryptographic key pair that logs users into many online services.
3. Regular software updates: Apple regularly releases software updates for iPads, which often include security fixes and enhancements. By keeping your iPad up-to-date, you can ensure that your device is protected against the latest security threats.
4. Sandboxing: iPads use a technology called "sandboxing" to isolate apps and prevent them from accessing sensitive data or system resources. This means that even if one app is compromised, it cannot access or damage other apps or the operating system itself.
5. Encryption: iPads use encryption to protect your data as it is transmitted and stored on the device. This makes it difficult for anyone to access or read your data, even if they were to gain access to your device.

iPads are designed (and marketed) with security and privacy in mind, making them a safe and secure option for both personal and professional use. By taking advantage of the built-in security features and regularly updating your device, you can ensure that your iPad is protected against the latest threats.

Whether you mandate iPads or not, endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, even for small businesses. There are interesting new options for endpoint security that empower users to make devices more secure. These are worth evaluating.

Standardizing on iPads, or any particular type of device, and implementing an endpoint protection solution does not automate away all risk and vulnerabilities. Training remains an essential component to ensure users follow good security practices on their devices. This training falls under the umbrella of security awareness training.