Feeling stuck with bad options for BYOD mobile security? There’s a third way.

A well-implemented BYOD program not only saves organizations money—over $300 per employee annually, according to a Samsung report—it fosters flexibility in remote and hybrid work environments.

However, the real value of a good BYOD program goes beyond cost savings. It lies in the security framework that safeguards the organization, as improper BYOD practices and policies pose significant risks: mobile devices have become a prime target for cyber threats, as seen in high-profile attacks by groups like Scattered Spider. Spyware programs such as Predator and Pegasus can also lead to data breaches through inappropriate BYOD practices.

The risks associated with BYOD are not limited to outdated security policies and measures but also include inconsistencies in BYOD protocols, privacy concerns, and the misperception that the security of the local mobile operating system is sufficient. A robust BYOD strategy mitigates risks like user error and credential theft, which often lead to breaches, while addressing the vulnerabilities of relying solely on native mobile OS security. By establishing clear security practices, organizations can reap the financial benefits of BYOD while ensuring a safer and more secure environment for employees and sensitive data.

The Persistent Threat of Mobile Device Breaches

Mobile devices are constantly exposed to both opportunistic and targeted attacks. The bad actors, particularly groups like Scattered Spider, have demonstrated how easily they can infiltrate organizations through employee-owned devices. A breach often starts with a simple smishing attempt—malicious links sent via text messages that lead to credential theft or malware installation. Once attackers gain access to an employee’s mobile device, they can move laterally through the corporate network, accessing sensitive company information and potentially causing catastrophic data breaches.

This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that employees frequently underestimate the security risks posed by their mobile devices. While they may be cautious when using their work computers, they often fail to apply the same level of scrutiny to their phones, which are typically less secure. This gap in security awareness creates a fertile ground for cyber attackers, especially as organizations increase their reliance on cloud services and remote work environments, further extending the attack surface.

Without a formal BYOD security program, the financial impact of breaches is steep, with the average cost of a breach reaching $4.88 million in 2024, according to IBM—not to mention the damage to brand reputation.

The Inadequacy of Traditional Solutions

Many organizations attempt to mitigate the risks of BYOD by enforcing security policies on corporate-owned and personal devices. However, traditional mobile security solutions have a major flaw: they are often intrusive. Employees are understandably resistant to allowing corporate oversight on their personal phones, and these solutions can give companies the ability to monitor apps, control settings, and even wipe data, which raises serious concerns about privacy and autonomy.

This creates a significant dilemma for security teams. On one hand, they must safeguard company data against vulnerabilities posed by personal devices. On the other hand, enforcing strict security measures risks damaging employee trust. Thus, many organizations feel trapped between compromising employee privacy and leaving the company exposed to security threats.

The limitations of traditional security measures have led companies to adopt more lenient BYOD policies, hoping employees will take responsibility for their mobile security. However, this approach is a risky gamble, especially as hackers use increasingly sophisticated tools and techniques.

Consider, for example, a company like Figma. While the company had robust security for corporate laptops, mobile devices presented a unique challenge, and its traditional approach to mobile security needed evolution. Initially, the built-in isolation features of mobile operating systems seemed sufficient, but as the company expanded, particularly into the EU automotive industry, new requirements emerged.

The security team faced a complex balancing act: they needed better visibility and control over their BYOD environment while maintaining their commitment to employee privacy and choice. Adding to this challenge was a requirement for TISAX certification, which mandated MDM implementation.

The Emergence of a Privacy-Respecting Mobile EDR Solution

To better balance the dual needs of enterprise security and employee privacy, Mobile Endpoint Detection & Response (Mobile EDR) is gradually coming to the stage. Mobile EDR focuses on detecting and responding to threats on mobile devices in real-time, without exerting control over employees’ devices. This approach allows organizations to protect employee devices from sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, malware, and phishing while respecting privacy.

Mobile EDR works by monitoring device behavior and flagging anomalies indicative of malicious activity. It can detect unusual app behavior, unauthorized access attempts, or data exfiltration efforts, alerting the user and the organization’s security team to the potential breach. At the same time, mobile EDR does not snoop on personal data, browsing history, or information, so enterprise employees feel more comfortable using it.

In the case of Figma, the solution was found in combining MDM deployment with unique security capabilities that allow the security team precise control over access management. They could now trace every device connecting to Figma's systems and reliably cut off access if a phone was lost, stolen, or compromised—all without touching personal data.

For enterprise security and HR teams, this “third way” offers a promising solution to the BYOD security dilemma. It provides the necessary security protections without compromising employees' privacy.

Tips on Implementing Mobile EDR

As with any security initiative, the success of Mobile EDR implementation hinges on the human element. Introducing new technology, particularly one that affects personal devices, requires careful change management to ensure employee buy-in. Organizations need to prioritize building trust with their workforce by clearly explaining the benefits of Mobile EDR and addressing any privacy concerns head-on.

I also think transparency is key: employees need to understand how Mobile EDR works, what data it collects, and what it doesn’t. Ensuring that the solution operates with privacy in mind from the outset will make it easier to get employee buy-in for the new tool.

In addition to transparency, offering incentives or gamification for adopting good mobile security practices can further encourage employees to embrace the solution. Education around mobile security risks, combined with the installation of user-friendly Mobile EDR platforms, will significantly strengthen an organization’s defense against mobile threats while fostering a positive security culture.

BYOD remains a staple in corporate environments even as mobile threats evolve. By prioritizing transparency, building trust with employees, and integrating mobile EDR into a broader security strategy, organizations can provide seamless security and privacy for their employees. As the BYOD trend grows, forward-thinking companies that embrace mobile EDR will lead the way in creating secure, privacy-respecting work environments during their digital transformation.