In a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, what security measure is MOST effective for protecting corporate data?

Implementing Network Access Control (NAC) is a highly effective measure for protecting corporate data in a BYOD environment. NAC enables organizations to enforce security policies on devices attempting to access their network. This approach ensures that only devices meeting specific security criteria—such as having up-to-date antivirus software, proper configurations, or the latest security patches—can connect. By doing so, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data leaks from insecure or compromised devices.

Regular security training for employees can increase awareness but does not directly restrict device access to the network. Limiting access solely to email may reduce exposure but does not address the broader issue of data security across different applications and services. Monitoring network traffic for anomalies is important for detecting potential threats, but it is reactive rather than proactive in securing the endpoints before they gain access to the network. By focusing on device access control through NAC, an organization establishes a robust layer of protection directly targeting device compliance, which is critical in a BYOD context.