With 90% of Americans now owning a smartphone, one thing is sure: there are plenty of personal devices in the workplace. As a result, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement is gaining traction as many businesses embrace the trend. But what are the pros and cons of BYOD, and do the advantages outweigh the risks for your business?
The rise of BYOD has introduced significant concerns, from security risks and data breaches to the complexities of managing a variety of operating systems and devices. These challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable, questioning whether the cost savings outweigh the potential risks.
As you consider the advantages and disadvantages of BYOD, know that we are your trusted partner in managed IT services, cybersecurity, and data backup. So, whether you decide to use BYOD in your own company or not, know that we’re here to help make your technology problems disappear and keep your operations trouble-free.
The Advantages of Using Personal Devices for Work
Keeping your operations running with BYOD is increasing in popularity. BYOD has now grown to the point where 82% of companies allow personal devices for work to some extent. And for good reasons, too. Companies using BYOD see increased productivity, more flexibility, and business savings.
Increased Productivity
Numerous surveys point to increased productivity as the most significant reason many companies are adopting BYOD policies. BYOD permits employees to access company data and networks from their own devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Employees report that they are more productive on their own devices, often because they’re more familiar with the technology and layout. For example, a study found that U.S. workers saved an average of 81 minutes per week by using their own devices.
Part of the reason is that users are already familiar with their gadgets and can use the same time-saving apps for work as they do for their personal lives. In addition, employees who can choose their own devices find using them easier and more enjoyable, resulting in greater productivity.
More Flexibility
The flexibility that personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops provide makes them attractive for employees and employers. Depending on the job role, much of an employee’s work can be accomplished anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes situations like out-of-town conferences or time off to tend to a sick child more productive since the employee can work remotely.
Many employees, especially younger generations, value the ability to work outside the confines of the office. A bring-your-own-device policy can allow that to happen more easily. Since COVID-19, more employees have been working from home than ever before. Remote work often increases job satisfaction and results in a better quality of work. As a result, employees can find a better work/life balance while still maintaining the cybersecurity necessary to protect their employers’ business.
Decreased Hardware Investment
Many companies see the boom of BYOD as a potential cost-savings opportunity. However, BYOD saves a company a lot more money than simply the cost of the initial equipment purchase. Savings continue throughout the device’s lifecycle because the company isn’t required to spend the time or money to provide repairs and support.
Increased Business Savings
How much your business can save by using BYOD depends on your IT budget and how many employees will use their devices versus company-provided hardware. Some studies suggest your business could save $350 per year per employee—others over $3,000 per year per employee.
However, you may see increased costs for more significant security protection, software licenses, and mobile device management. The business savings from BYOD may offset some or all of these costs. No matter the actual savings for your company, employee-owned devices could prove to be a significant cost-saving strategy for many businesses.
The Disadvantages of Using BYOD
So now that we’ve talked about the advantages—greater employee productivity, better job satisfaction, and decreased hardware costs—it’s time to assess the risks. Naturally, security issues rank high on the list, but other cons of BYOD to consider are establishing a bring-your-own-device policy, lack of support, and privacy concerns.
Security, Security, Security
The biggest concern businesses have over adopting a BYOD strategy centers around security, primarily losing or compromising data. These risks can take many forms, including:
- Lost or stolen devices
- Unauthorized access to devices
- Attacks and threats, such as malware, scams, and fake apps
- Endpoint security and compliance for personal devices that are accessing the company’s network
Using work email for personal online activities
- Using a cloud service to send or share work documents without IT permission
- Storing work passwords on the device without a password manager
- Accidentally storing personal data on the business server
Working with a trusted IT consultant can help mitigate these risks and protect your business from lost or compromised data.
Needing to Establish a Bring Your Own Device Policy
We know you’re thinking, “Oh no! Not another policy to add to my list!” However, if you allow employees to use their own devices for work purposes, you need to implement a BYOD policy. Topics should include:
- Using personal devices to access company email, sensitive documents, or corporate resources
- Establishing an overall security strategy
- Managing access to corporate resources on a case-by-case basis
- Outlining appropriate uses
- Setting up cybersecurity protocols
- Deciding which devices are acceptable for professional use
Device Security Protocols
Another disadvantage of BYOD is that it does not monitor whether device security protocols are installed and updated regularly. At a minimum, all personal devices should require a password for access, have two-factor authentication, have anti-spyware and antivirus software installed, and use an approved operating system to access corporate resources. It makes it difficult for employers to support their employees when their device crashes or breaks since they don’t have the same access to it as they would a company device.
Server-Side Security Measures
Since absolute control over employee devices is not guaranteed, companies will also want to investigate server-side security methods. These methods restrict access to sensitive corporate data, monitor employee downloads from the corporate network, and deny access to unapproved apps and potential threats. However, this can also lead to privacy concerns, as some employees won’t want their employer to monitor personal information on their home computers.
Software Incompatibility
When employees use personal devices for work, software incompatibility can become a significant hurdle. Different operating systems, such as iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, may run various versions of the same application, leading to inconsistent performance. This inconsistency can disrupt workflow and productivity, making it difficult for team members to collaborate efficiently. That’s why switching to Microsoft 365 is essential. It allows you to access frequently used apps through the cloud, no matter the device.
Frequently Asked Questions about BYOD
Beyond the pros and cons of BYOD, many small business owners have questions about implementing a bring-your-own-device policy. We’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions we get about BYOD. Addressing these questions can help you create an effective BYOD program that suits your business needs.
How Will BYOD Affect My IT Infrastructure?
Implementing a BYOD policy can significantly impact your IT infrastructure. First, it increases the variety of devices and operating systems accessing your company network, requiring your IT team to manage a more complex environment.
This diversity necessitates robust mobile device management (MDM) solutions to maintain security and operational efficiency. Additionally, you may need to upgrade your network capacity to handle increased data traffic and ensure reliable connectivity.
What Are the Best Practices for Implementing a BYOD Policy?
Implementing a successful BYOD policy requires careful planning and clear communication. Here are some steps you can take after you’ve weighed the advantages and disadvantages of BYOD.
- Choose Your Devices: Begin by defining the scope of your policy, specifying which devices and operating systems are permitted.
- Create Acceptable Use Policies: Clearly outline acceptable use policies detailing employee responsibilities, data access levels, and security protocols.
- Use MDM: Incorporate mobile device management (MDM) tools to monitor devices, enforce security measures, and manage software updates.
- Require Passwords: Ensure all devices accessing the network are password-protected and capable of remote wiping to protect sensitive data if lost or stolen. Remote wiping requires proper setup through MDM tools.
- Educate: Regular training sessions can educate employees on security awareness, emphasizing the importance of protecting company information.
- Provide Technical Support: It’s also vital to establish a support system for resolving technical issues quickly, minimizing downtime, and maintaining productivity.
- Review: Finally, regularly review and update your BYOD policy to adapt to evolving technology and security threats.
By following these best practices, you can create a BYOD program that enhances flexibility and productivity while maintaining robust security and operational efficiency.
Why Choose Us as Your BYOD Solution Partner?
Choosing us as your BYOD solution partner means you gain access to a team of experienced IT professionals dedicated to safeguarding your business. We understand the unique challenges small businesses face when implementing a BYOD program, from managing diverse devices to ensuring robust security.
Our tailored IT consulting services address these concerns head-on, offering expert guidance to create a seamless and secure BYOD environment. Our proactive approach includes regular security audits, employee training sessions, and swift technical support to resolve issues quickly.
With us, you don’t just get a provider—you get a partner committed to your business’s success. We handle the complexities of BYOD, so you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing your IT infrastructure is in capable hands.
Want To Know More about the Pros and Cons of BYOD?
BYOD isn’t going anywhere. Of course, you need to decide what’s best for your business, but you can’t ignore the growing reality of personal devices in the workplace.
If you’re eager to explore the full range of pros and cons of BYOD, reaching out for expert advice can be invaluable. Our team at EZComputer Solutions is well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of BYOD implementation. We offer personalized consultations to assess your business needs and recommend strategies tailored to your unique environment.
We can provide comprehensive insights and solutions if you’re curious about cost savings, security measures, or device management. Our expertise ensures that you can make informed decisions, minimizing risks while maximizing the benefits of BYOD technology.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—contact us today and discover how a well-managed BYOD program can enhance your business operations. We’re committed to freeing you from IT worries so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.