The workplace can be hectic during the month of January, especially given the fact that employees arrive back at work with their fancy new devices. New laptops, mobile devices, and smartphones are among common gifts given and received over the holidays. For companies that use a “Bring Your Own Device” system, this surge in technology changes can present some difficult challenges.
Bring Your Own Device, more commonly known as BYOD, allows employees to provide their own devices in the workplace, for business purposes. While many companies have found this approach advantageous, times like the beginning of the year reveal the potential headache that can be involved. The following are common problems with BYOD in the month of January and how they can be overcome.
Increased potential for security breach on company data
An influx of new devices creates more possibilities for malicious activity to make its way into the network. If there isn’t a strict policy in place at the company, employees will come to work with their new devices and try to jump on the company network. This can easily expose vulnerabilities and cause a breach.
The solution? Experts say there are several things that can be done. Perhaps the most important is for companies to create thorough and well though out policies to govern what types of devices or applications can be used. Employees should be education through formal training on how they are allowed to use their device in the workplace. If a company allows an “anything goes” type of policy, their IT department will likely run into problems down the road.
It is also necessary that as employees begin to bring in new devices following the holidays, they take the proper steps to remove their old devices from the network and wipe any data that could potentially be stolen or used for malicious purposes. Companies don't want sensitive data floating around, especially on a personal device that could be stolen or used by someone who doesn't understand the data.
Additional tips for employees
Businesses aren’t the only ones that need to be cautious with new technology. When making the transition to a new device, there are certain actions employees should take as well.
First, they should make sure that all personal data is backed up and saved. Even if something isn’t necessarily company information, the device may still contain information that is relevant to work. For example, personal schedules and calendars need to be transferred to the new device. There are several ways to do this, and manufacturers often provide the easiest solutions. For example, Apple’s iCloud or Google Drive are both systems through which data can be saved and transferred.
Next, employees should consider wiping their phones. Sometimes, data can unknowingly remain on a phone. Mobile devices usually come programmed with a factory data reset function. This way you know nothing will be passed on to the family member or other individual you are giving the device to. Don't forget about the SD card. Because some devices are programmed to save data on the card, it should always be removed before the device is retired.
The take away
Ultimately, the problems that the post-holiday period creates are not enough to stop companies from adopting BYOD policies. Dangers certainly exist when it comes to security. However, with a strict and well thought out policy, many companies will be able to avoid any serious threats. In the end, the potential for savings as well as employee satisfaction and productivity will drive greater implementation of BYOD in the future.