Is it better to get your employees a company phone instead of asking them to use their personal phone? We’re here to talk about all things BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and corporate. In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of employees using their own devices as opposed to being provided with a company device. Let’s dive in…
What does BYOD stand for?
You may know of the different names for BYOD – but do you know what they mean, and did you know it comes in several forms?
With each form comes new risks:
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
In this case, employees are responsible for their own devices. The IT team can install applications for security but it is mainly the employees’ responsibility to look after their devices.
Company-Owned, Business Only (COBO)
COBO means the employees are given the device by the company and are only supposed to use the device for work purposes. The device is usually configured with security & managed by their IT team.
Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE)
A great in-between is allowing employees to use their personal apps on the device whilst it is still being managed by their employer. Providing security and freedom.
Choose Your Own Device (CYOD)
This way you give your employees the power to choose a device that they know and are comfortable with, whilst still being approved by the employer. These will then be fitted with applications and security by the IT team.
Personally Owned, Company Enabled (POCE)
For this one, a section of the device is sectioned off for business purposes. Making it separate from the personal components.
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Advantages of BYOD
BYOD can have many advantages. For example, your business will save money on equipment and line rental. You could even find that employees answer client calls and messages outside working hours. Here are the 4 main advantages:
1) Increase In Productivity
When employees are allowed to use their own devices, productivity increases. When given a device they are more comfortable and familiar with means they are able to seamlessly complete tasks. No more time wasted getting familiar with a brand-new device! It also means they are happier as they are in their comfort zone. Efficiency increases as well as work satisfaction.
2) BYOD Access to Cloud
With the cloud, all data can be accessed from anywhere! Meaning your employees can work from any location as everything they will ever need is in one place! Since the pandemic remote working has become increasingly popular, making the cloud a business lifesaver.
3) More Frequent Updates to BYOD Systems
As the employees are in charge of their devices they will be encouraged to frequently update their systems. This is a lot more efficient than waiting on IT to do so, meaning they can concentrate on more important issues.
4) Save ££ With BYOD
With BYOD you are spending less money on devices that can be used elsewhere in the business. It also means your employees are responsible for their devices so any damage caused will be covered by them.
Disadvantages
If you decide that you don’t want to provide your employees with equipment then you should be aware of the number of disadvantages. Though you may be saving money, this could lead to long-term problems and breaches that could cost you more in the long run.
1) Data Leaks
Naturally, employees aren’t as careful with security as a company is. When using their own device they are unlikely to maintain protocol to the same level. BYOD increases the chances of a data leak.
2) Increased IT Workload
IT must expand security to include BYOD. New policies need to be continually created, implemented, and deployed to keep up with all the changes.
3) BYOD Data Exposure
As data will be accessible from a number of personal devices this makes it increasingly vulnerable. BYOD increases the chances of data being lost or even hacked. It also provides even more difficulties when an employee is leaving the company.
4) IT Headache
A number of devices, some of which are completely different, can put a lot of strain on the IT team. With each device comes different requirements, issues, and steps that need to be taken. Especially if your IT team is small this may become increasingly difficult to manage and support them all.
5) BYOD Privacy Concerns
With BOYD there is a lack of privacy for the employee’s personal information on the device. As IT needs to amp up its security, this can lead to a loss of privacy.
6) Legal Issues
BYOD is problematic from a legal standpoint regarding sensitive information. When stored on a personal device, sensitive data has a higher chance of unauthorized access. When people are using their devices for personal use they may accidentally download a virus that could be detrimental.
An additional legal risk relates to hourly employees and the potential for overtime pay when they are expected to access data and applications outside of their scheduled work times.
When BYOD Backfires
The most noticeable incident and a reason that will understandably put you off letting your employees bring their own device took place in 2012.
A doctor had his personal laptop stolen. On this laptop was ALL his patients’ personal data. When the news spread, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Associates, Inc. (the company the doctor worked for) had to pay a huge fine. And by huge we mean $1.5 Million.
Why Business Mobiles Are Essential
Providing your employees with a business mobile is essential. You may allow them to use their own laptops but mobiles is where you should draw the line. There are a vast number of benefits to providing employees with a corporate phone. Here are just a few of the reasons why businesses should provide company mobiles:
- If employee leaves, customer may be phoning employee still when he/she has moved to a competitor company.
- Employee may become distract by personal social media during the work day when work is on the same device as personal.
- A damaged phone means the company must rely on the employee to fix it. This may cause delays in communication to clients.
- Employees do not maintain security protocols at the same level which increases the chance of data leaks, data loss and data exposure.
- With Work From Home does employees need to be able to cut off from work so separate phones can facilitate this separation.
- Employee may sell the phone without wiping properly
- Employee may expose the company network by accessing non-secure wifi networks
Conclusion
Though it may initially seems the advantages of BYOD and its perks are clear, it comes with a HUGE number of safety concerns that could lead to extortionate fines and detrimental problems. Don’t take the risk and provide your employees with their own corporate devices to prevent any major issues and concerns.
Not only will it benefit you, but will also help them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Head to Business Mobiles to shop our range of handsets at the best prices. Got a question or query? We’d love to hear from you, contact us today and get in touch with one of our experts.
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