Security software vendor, Sophos says it is tackling the challenges associated with bring your own device (BYOD) through the release of Sophos EndUser Protection.
The vendor claims that unlike traditional security products, which are licensed for each device separately, Sophos EndUser Protection provides consolidated protection for every device on a network by securing per-user, rather than per-device.
This allows an organisation to receive protection for all of the devices utilised by a user - from Windows and Macs to mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and Android devices - wherever users may go, Sophos says.
"Smartphones and tablets are an everyday part of today's workplace," says Charles Kolodgy, research VP for security products at IDC.
"Businesses are adapting their policies and practices to ensure these devices don't disrupt productivity or compromise security; security enables users to do their work."
"Sophos' model of combining their endpoint and mobile device management offerings to secure users rather than devices can eliminate many of the costs and complexities normally associated with securing BYOD."
In today's business environment, says Sophos, employees are accessing data from both personal and corporate mobile phones, tablets and laptops, whether they are at headquarters, remote offices or on the road.
According to the Cisco IBSG Horizons Study, in 2012 the average number of connected devices per knowledge worker was 2.8, and this number is projected to rise to 3.3 by 2014.
This increase in multiple devices has put a strain on IT departments and their budgets as they work to secure, manage and support these devices, the study notes.
"People are already using a number of different devices for business purposes, and the consumerisation trend points to even more people using even more devices," says Brett Myroff, CEO of Sophos distributor, NetXactics.
"As BYOD moves more to the forefront of complete security, Sophos EndUser Protection allows more IT professionals to embrace BYOD rather than try to reverse it," he adds.
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