How to Set Up a Firewall for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policies

BYOD Security, Zero Trust, Network Segmentation: these are key elements for organizations that allow personal devices to be used in the workplace. BYOD policies increase productivity and flexibility, but they also increase security threats to company networks.

Configuring firewalls is the best way to secure BYOD environments. At the end of the day, regardless of your ownership of hardware firewalls and appliances, the most important thing you can do is implement the right security policies.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• The risks of BYOD
• Manage firewall rules governing device access
• Network segmentation & Zero Trust
• Why PJ Networks’ firewall rental services are a necessity

The Risks of BYOD

A business network becomes more vulnerable as personal devices are connected to it. Many of these threats stem from unsecured devices accessing from multiple locations. Here are the top threats:

• Compromised Devices: Employees could be using infected personal devices that introduce malware into business cyber infrastructures.
• Untrusted Networks: Your employees are connecting their phones and laptops to multiple Wi-Fi networks (offices, hotels, cafes, residences, etc.) and exposing themselves to additional cyber threats.
• Data Leaks: Sensitive company data can be accessed, copied, or stolen from personal devices if they are not strictly controlled.
• Absence of Security Updates: Personal devices may not always have the most up-to-date security patches, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

Your first line of defense is a firewall. It governs how personal devices access your business network.

Firewall Rules for Each Device

When it comes to protecting company networks, access control measures of BYOD devices by firewalls should be reined in as much as possible. These firewall rules may help:

1. Restrict Unauthorized Devices

• Ramp up the firewall rules to only allow registered devices access to internal systems.
• Restrict unknown or untrusted devices using MAC address filtering.

2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• MFA, which is also known as multi-factor authentication, prevents attackers from accessing company resources even if a device gets stolen.

3. Control Application Use

• Restrict access to specific applications according to user roles.
• Prevent installation of risky or unauthorized apps (such as file-sharing apps leading to potential data leaks).

4. Restrict Usage Over Public Wi-Fi

• For employees to connect from outside the office, enforce VPN tunnels to encrypt data.
• Opaque unsecure open Wi-Fi traffic hackable interception.

Network Segmentation & Zero Trust

The company network should be restricted from risky devices, even with firewall protection. Then Network Segmentation, Zero Trust Security steps in.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation refers to splitting up the business network into various sections to limit access. Sensitive business systems should never be on the same network as personal devices.

Segmentation Strategies:

• Create Separate VLANs: Employee devices should not be in the same VLAN as core business servers.
• Restrict Lateral Movement: Isolate BYOD devices from communicating with enterprise systems unless it is specifically required.
• Adopt Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Demarcate and provision policies with role-based access controls on demand.

What is Zero Trust Security?

Why it Matters: At the core, Zero Trust is simple: Never Trust, Always Verify. So, no device or user is trusted by default.

Zero Trust in BYOD — How to Go About It?

• Control access based on user identity, device type, and location.
• Require authentication at any internal system.
• Implement micro-segmentation for devices and only allow access to the resources needed.

You can rest assured that against the background of Zero Trust and network segmentation with the solidified perimeter provided by a firewall, the BYOD environment is secure and user endpoints are protected.

BYOD Security Solutions from PJ Networks

At PJ Networks, we understand the challenge of managing employee-hired devices. Many organizations find renting firewalls, routers, and servers a cheaper way to protect themselves than buying expensive security devices.

When to Virtual Rent Firewalls for BYOD Security?

• Affordable: The cost of renting is less than buying, particularly for small and medium businesses.
• Scalability: If your device count increases, it is easy to move up to a higher-tier firewall.
• Ongoing Upkeep & Care: With managed firewall rentals, you’ll have security updates and highly-trained manpower at your disposal.
• Custom Security Policies: Eliminate the need for an in-house IT team by applying custom firewall rules to BYOD devices.

Dr. PJ Networks Firewall Rental Services

We provide:

• Fully Managed Firewall Rentals — natively configured with BYOD security.
• Ready-to-Run Zero Trust Systems — to protect personal devices.
• Network Segmentation: Multiple device access without compromising data security.

For affordable and effective protection from BYOD Security, Zero Trust, or Network Segmentation, check out our firewall rental solutions!

Conclusion

While BYOD policies offer flexibility, they also expose businesses to security risks. Employees benefit from carrying their work with them, but company data must be kept secure. Therefore, having a properly configured firewall becomes crucial.

Access control, network segmentation, and Zero Trust Security help prevent cyber threats and unauthorized access through the implementation of firewall rules.

Renting firewalls and security appliances is the right solution for companies seeking an affordable yet secure option. Tailored PJ Networks rentals offer robust security at budget-friendly rates.

If you want to protect your business and embrace BYOD, rent a firewall with native security for Zero Trust and Network Segmentation today!