Hybrid and remote working are here to stay. A growing number of organisations allow employees to use their own devices to connect to networks and access work-related data and systems. Devices include computers, tablets, smartphones and USB drives.
This is seemingly straightforward, simple and cost effective for businesses, yet there are major issues to consider if problems are to be prevented and the advantages enjoyed.
“There is definitely a growing trend for employees to use their own devices for work,” says Eric Hughes of EMH Technology. “Of course it’s possible to offer IT support to these employees, however organisations must consider the security and reliability involved too. This could involve publishing lists of approved devices, updating security policies and reviewing support provision, for example.”
We’ve already written about the huge importance of endpoint security. BYOD introduces a heightened need for up-to-date security processes.
1. Security – it is difficult to protect employees’ devices from malware and other security risks. In addition, the responsibility of managing passwords, security patches and antivirus protection is with the device owner rather than the business. Also, if an employee leaves the organisation, it is difficult to ensure they have no corporate data downloaded. 30% of remote workers allow someone other than themselves to use their work laptops more than once per day. This figure is likely to be much higher for personal devices, presenting security and access problems as well as the risk of data access and deletion by non-employees.
2. Stolen devices – employees are more likely to take their own devices out of their work environment. If these devices are lost or stolen, this could result in the loss or theft of corporate data.
3. Storage – keeping business and personal data on the same device may cause problems around access and security.
4. IT infrastructure and support – provision must be reviewed and adapted to ensure it supports the organisation’s BYOD policy and the organisation can continue to rely on the technology it needs.
5. Availability – some employees may not have their own devices, or access to a device meeting the organisation’s requirements.
The convenience and possible cost saving available via a BYOD policy are appealing. However, steps should be taken to reduce human cyber risk and more complex security and support risks are involved. Virtual desktops are an option to facilitate secure BYOD working and mean the devices used by employees are less important.
Virtual desktops are managed like in-house IT hardware. Support is available for BYO devices, however there could be problems regarding the provision of licenses and potential loss of personal data through the use of work systems. In addition, desktop support can be problematic due to the private information stored on devices.
Does your company operate a BYOD policy?
Are you tempted by BYOD benefits but concerned about security and IT support?
Let’s explore the BYOD opportunity for your organisation. Contact the experts at EMH Technology for a down to earth, helpful chat without obligation.