October 2nd 2023
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE: 6 PROS AND CONS OF BYOD
Over the last few years, modern workplaces have switched to flexible working practices for better productivity and communication. Digital transformation is core to this, with more organisations implementing a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) policy to enable change.
Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of BYOD and whether it is right for you.
What Is BYOD?
A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy allows employees to use their devices to connect to company networks and work systems. Personal mobiles, laptops, tablets or USBs are all acceptable, dependent on your BYOD policy, and can access potentially confidential data when required.
A recent study found that 82% of participating organisations already have a BYOD programme in place due to the surge of remote working during the pandemic. The popularity of BYOD is going to be around for a while. Many organisations maintain a mobile workforce and see BYOD as a solution for maximising efficiencies.
BYOD Pros
1 - Reduces Hardware and Training Costs
When you onboard new employees, you usually purchase new devices, antivirus and malware software and spend time training them on how to use the device. This all adds up.
A BYOD policy eliminates the need to buy and manage a collection of costly devices. It also reduces the time and expense of training your employees to use any new device. Your employees will now have the flexibility to use a device that best fits their needs. To maintain network security, request all employees to download a company-wide security solution, such as Lily Shield.
2 - Get the Latest Technology
BYOD brings the latest technology to your fingertips. Technology is constantly changing, meaning it’s easy for companies to offer ‘outdated’ devices that are no longer effective. With a BYOD policy, employees will likely have the most upgraded device in the market.
Ultimately, this reduces the cost of upgrading and maintaining devices. Your employees will take ownership of this, so it’s one less thing to worry about.
3 - Increased Productivity and Morale
Using a personal device brings comfort to an employee’s day-to-day activities. They will know the interface, features and tools to maximise productivity and get on with work without being slowed down.
You will see better performance, sales and customer experience results with improved job satisfaction. A motivated employee will encourage company collaboration and keep you better connected.
BYOD Cons
1 - Increased Security Risks
Without proper IT security controls, you put your employees and organisation at risk of cyber attacks. Not all employees are vigilant in protecting their devices and their data, such as using weak passwords and outdated security software.
An employee’s device is under their total control. This means there may be more risk of theft, loss or hacking through unsecure external Wi-Fi networks. Once cyber criminals have this device, they can easily leak confidential data onto the dark web.
Your BYOD policy should include strict security measures that all employees must take. Some protection you must consider is Mobile Device Management (MDM) and IT security.
2 - Limited Compatibility
BYOD maintains that employees can use any device. This opens your organisation to hundreds of operating systems, software versions and models. You may later discover that these devices aren’t compatible with your company systems.
Increased compatibility and operational issues make it difficult for employees to be productive and collaborative. As such, you must reconsider your IT procedures for each device type in your BYOD policy.
3 - Hard Data Retrieval
If an employee leaves your company, you must remove company data from their devices. This task is difficult, especially if they depart due to an emergency.
In these cases, your IT team will require remote access to all employee devices to collate company data.
Implement a Secure BYOD Policy with Lily
As an IT security expert, Lily will help you implement a BYOD system protected by award-winning services and products. Contact the Lily team to discover how we can help you today.