Bring Your Own Device: The Dos & Don'ts

Let's face it., everyone loves their own gadgets.

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Whether it’s the familiarity of your phone’s setup or the custom keyboard shortcuts on your laptop, there’s something comforting about using a device you know inside out. 

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t’s one of the reasons many businesses are hopping on the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) bandwagon, letting employees use their personal devices for work. It’s a win-win, right? Employees stay in their comfort zone, and businesses save on tech costs. 

Well, not so fast.

Allowing personal devices into the workplace isn’t as simple as it sounds. Sure, it can boost productivity and morale. But it also opens a Pandora’s box of security risks, compatibility issues, and potential headaches. 

So, the question the, is BYOD good for your business?

When it comes to letting employees use their own devices for work, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. But it’s not all doom and gloom either. The reality lies somewhere in between.

BYOD isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It works brilliantly for some businesses but can be a disaster for others. To decide if it’s right for you, think about your specific needs: 

• Do your employees work remotely or travel often?

• How tech-savvy is your team?

• Do you have the resources to implement and manage a BYOD policy effectively?

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A BYOD policy is your playbook for how employees can use their own devices for work. And just as importantly, how they can’t. Without a clear policy, you’re leaving too much to chance, and that’s when things can go wrong.

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Do: Create A Clear Written Policy

Your first step is to write everything down. A good BYOD policy outlines the rules in plain, easy-to-understand language. Think of it as a guidebook for your team: What’s allowed, what’s not, and what’s expected of everyone.

Your policy should cover:

• Approved devices: Specify what types of devices can be used (e.g., smart phones, tablets, laptops). And any minimum requirements (e.g., devices must be less than three years old)

• Allowed apps: List the work-related apps and tools employees can use

• Data security: Explain how company data should be handled and what security measures are required

• Responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for what, like updates, antivirus software, and reporting lost or stolen devices

Do: Prioritize Security

Security should be at the heart of your BYOD policy. After all, these are personal devices accessing your business’s sensitive data. 

Here’s how to keep things safe:

• Require strong passwords: Make it mandatory for all BYOD devices to have strong, unique passwords (or better yet, biometric authentication like fingerprint or face recognition)

• Use encryption: Ensure all data exchanged between devices and your company’s systems is encrypted

• Enable remote wiping: In case a device is lost or stolen, your IT team should be able to remotely erase company data

Do: Invest In Mobile Device Management

Your first step is to write everything down. A good BYOD policy outlines the rules in plain, easy-to-understand language. Think of it as a guidebook for your team: What’s allowed, what’s not, and what’s expected of everyone.

Your policy should cover:

• Approved devices: Specify what types of devices can be used (e.g., smart phones, tablets, laptops). And any minimum requirements (e.g., devices must be less than three years old)

• Allowed apps: List the work-related apps and tools employees can use

• Data security: Explain how company data should be handled and what security measures are required

• Responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for what, like updates, antivirus software, and reporting lost or stolen devices

Do: Review & Update Your Policy Regularly

Technology changes fast, and your BYOD policy should keep up. Review it at least once a year to make sure it’s still relevant and effective. Gather feedback from employees to understand what’s working and what isn’t.

Don't: Ignore Privacy Concerns

Your employees have a right to privacy, even on devices they use for work. Be transparent about what you can and can’t access. Clear communication builds trust and makes sure your policy doesn’t feel invasive.

For example:

• Don’t track employees’ location on personal devices

• Don’t access personal apps, files, or photos

• Don’t wipe the entire device unless absolutely necessary

Don't: Assume Everyone Knows Best Practices

You can’t rely on employees to automatically follow good cyber security habits. Assume no one knows this stuff. It’s better to over-communicate than leave room for mistakes.

Spell out:

• How often should they update their devices?

• What types of public Wi-Fi are unsafe to use for work?

• How should they report a lost or stolen device?

Don't: Overcomplicate The Policy

A BYOD policy should be simple, not overwhelming. Avoid using technical jargon, and focus on practical steps employees can follow. A complicated policy is less likely to be read or followed.

Now that you know the possible offers, let’s talk about how these tools work in real life situations.

A BYOD policy sets the same standard for everyone. It’s a guide that answers the questions your employees didn’t even know they had, like “Can I install work apps on my personal phone?” or “What happens if I lose my device?”

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But it’s not just about laying down rules. A well-written policy helps prevent misunderstandings. Employees know what’s expected of them, and your business avoids the risks that come with unclear boundaries. Think of the policy as the rulebook for BYOD, making sure everyone’s playing the same game.

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First, be specific about which devices are allowed. Does your business only support certain operating systems, like the latest versions of iOS or Windows? What about minimum device specifications, like having enough storage to run essential work apps? This helps avoid compatibility issues and ensures your employees’ devices can handle the job.

Next, address how company data will be managed. Personal and business information should never mix. Tools like MDM make it easy to keep work data in a secure “container” separate from personal files. This not only protects your business but also reassures employees that their photos and personal messages won’t be accessed or monitored.

Finally, security is a must. Require strong passwords, regular device updates, and antivirus software. Make two-factor authentication mandatory for accessing company apps or systems. And don’t forget to spell out what happens if a device is lost or stolen – your policy should allow IT to remotely wipe work data if necessary.

No one likes the idea of being “policed,” but enforcing your BYOD policy is essential. Without enforcement, the policy is just words on paper. But enforcement doesn’t have to feel heavy-handed. Focus on creating a culture of accountability rather than fear.

For example, use MDM tools to automate compliance checks, like ensuring devices have the latest updates or meet security standards. If an employee’s device doesn’t comply, the system can automatically restrict access to company resources until the issue is resolved. This way, enforcement is consistent and doesn’t rely on manual oversight.

At the same time, make it easy for employees to report problems or ask for help. If someone loses their phone, they should feel comfortable reaching out to IT immediately. The faster issues are reported, the less risk there is to your business.

BYOD introduces risks that traditional company-owned devices don’t. Personal devices are often used for a mix of work and leisure, which means they might not have the same level of security as a company-issued device. An employee could inadvertently download malware, click a phishing link, or connect to a rogue Wi-Fi network, and suddenly, your business data is exposed. 

Cyber criminals love targeting SMBs because they often lack the resources for advanced security measures. With BYOD, the attack surface widens. It’s important you don’t neglect…

very BYOD device connecting to your systems should use two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring something your employee knows (like a password) and something they have (like a mobile-generated code). Even if a password is stolen, 2FA keeps your data safe.

Consider limiting access to company systems based on roles. Not everyone needs access to sensitive information. Role-based access reduces the risk of data falling into the wrong hands.