Personal devices used for work have become the norm in many organizations, but they also pose new security risks. While removing personal devices from work is not a viable solution, there is a need to address these security concerns. In recent years, there have been several incidents where companies experienced cybersecurity breaches due to the use of personal devices by employees and contractors. Therefore, it is essential to fortify defenses and protect work on personal devices. One solution that is gaining traction is continuous authentication coupled with device trust.
Continuous authentication is a security practice that goes beyond the initial login process. It involves monitoring user behavior and risk signals from the endpoint every few minutes to reassess the user’s identity and the device’s security posture. This ongoing monitoring provides real-time insight into who is accessing company data, even when they are using an unmanaged device. If a security check fails during a session, the organization’s security operations center (SOC) team can be immediately alerted, and the device can be quarantined to prevent potential data leaks. The key advantage of continuous authentication is that it offers real-time protection without interrupting the user experience.
To ensure a streamlined and frictionless user experience, integrating passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA) is crucial. Passwordless MFA allows for a smooth authentication process without the need for users to remember and input complex passwords. By autonomously screening for changes in user behavior or device security posture, continuous authentication ensures the company remains secure while minimizing interruptions for workers.
As zero trust models gain traction and compliance becomes increasingly important, continuous authentication becomes a vital component of organizations’ security architecture. It eliminates the inherent trust placed on devices and users, providing a more robust security framework. By continuously reassessing user behavior and device security, organizations can achieve compliance and maintain a secure environment for both employees and contractors.
Implementing passwordless identification, device trust, and continuous authentication empowers organizations to embrace BYOD and contracted employees without sacrificing cybersecurity. It allows companies to leverage the productivity benefits of these work arrangements while providing security teams with real-time visibility into the overall security posture. In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, continuous authentication fills the gap between login and log-out, maximizing productivity and security.
Jasson Casey, the Chief Technology Officer of Beyond Identity, emphasizes the significance of continuous authentication in addressing the security challenges associated with BYOD and contracted employees. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the cybersecurity field, having previously served in leadership roles at SecurityScorecard, IronNet Cybersecurity, CenturyTel, Flowgrammable, and Compiled Networks. Casey holds a PhD in computer engineering from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.
In conclusion, personal devices used for work have become commonplace in many organizations, but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks. Continuous authentication coupled with device trust offers a solution that allows companies to embrace the productivity benefits of BYOD and contracted employees while maintaining a strong security posture. By continuously monitoring user behavior and device security, organizations can minimize the blind spots associated with unmanaged devices and ensure the protection of their networks, applications, and data.