Mobile devices are now an integral part of the way we work, and because of that, mobile security has become a necessity when it comes to protecting an organization’s data. Yet with many IT and security teams already stretched to the limit, the task of incorporating mobile security into their existing operations may seem like an impossible task.

While virtual private networks (VPNs) have been the go-to solution for remote access for decades, the surge in remote work during the pandemic has highlighted the cracks in its armor. Granting unrestricted access to everything stored within a corporate network can quickly become a security nightmare, especially as remote workers continue to rely on an increasing number of devices and access points.

Whereas traditional hacking exploits weaknesses in software or hardware, social engineering exploits weaknesses in the human psyche. By preying on people’s habits, fears, or complacency, attackers can gain access to almost any system, no matter how sensitive or well-protected. The ubiquity of personal mobile devices in the workplace has only exacerbated the threat.

The era of working from a single device, at a single desk, in a single office is over. Thanks to portable electronics and wireless internet connections, employees can work from just about anywhere. If they don’t have an authorized work machine handy, they’ll use their personal devices instead. Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) is now a common practice, which makes BYOD security more important than ever.

When it comes to how employees get work done, personal devices are an ever-growing part of the equation. The 2023 Lookout State of Remote Work Security Report found that 92% of remote workers have performed work tasks on their personal mobile devices. While putting security controls on employer-owned devices is a no-brainer, the increasing overlap of personal with professional means that organizations need to think about how to secure employee-owned devices that are being used for work.