Rethinking BYOD: From Legacy Risks to Zero Trust Mobility


In Episode S7E9 of the Brilliance Security Magazine Podcast, we sit down with Matt Stern, Chief Security Officer at Hypori, to discuss how organizations can move beyond outdated mobile device management strategies and adopt a zero-trust approach to the future. Stern shares compelling insights from his extensive experience in both military and federal cybersecurity, highlighting why traditional BYOD approaches—like MDM and MAM—are no longer adequate. If you’re a CISO, IT leader, or just curious about secure mobile innovation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Summary

The episode begins with Matt Stern’s journey from Army Ranger to cybersecurity executive. He discusses how his experience leading large-scale cyber operations, including the U.S. Army CERT and the EINSTEIN national cybersecurity system, shaped his threat-centric approach to enterprise security.

The conversation then turns to the evolving BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) landscape. Stern highlights the risks posed by traditional mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) solutions—such as increased attack surface, privacy concerns, and inadequate control over unmanaged personal devices. He also touches on regulatory challenges like the “No TikTok Law,” which bans certain apps on government-affiliated devices due to data exposure risks.

Stern explains how Hypori addresses these issues with its Virtual Mobile Infrastructure (VMI), which keeps all data and compute operations off the user’s device. Hypori streams pixels only—meaning no data is stored or processed locally—eliminating risks associated with compromised devices. He walks listeners through Hypori’s layered authentication system and robust security architecture, which enables secure operation from any personal device without compromising user privacy.

The show concludes with a discussion on cost savings and operational efficiency. Stern notes that the Department of Defense already uses over 70,000 Hypori licenses and highlights how organizations can achieve significant savings—up to 42%—by eliminating the need to purchase and manage government-furnished equipment (GFE). His advice to IT leaders: assess your current BYOD risks, examine the real-world behaviors of your workforce, and consider whether legacy models are hindering your security posture.

About Our Guest

Matt Stern is the Chief Security Officer at Hypori, where he leads risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and ensures compliance with NIAP, NIST, and CSfC standards. A decorated, retired U.S. Army combat veteran, he commanded the 2nd Information Operations Battalion and the Army Computer Emergency Response Team (ACERT). He also served as Deputy CIO for the largest deployed military communication system during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In the private sector, he directed cybersecurity services for a leading threat intelligence firm and led the development of the EINSTEIN national cyber defense system. Matt holds a Master’s in Information Systems and a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

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Steven Bowcut is an award-winning journalist covering cyber and physical security. He is an editor and writer for Brilliance Security Magazine as well as other security and non-security online publications. Follow and connect with Steve on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.