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BYOD policies or “Bring Your Own Device” are becoming more common in workplaces worldwide to save costs and increase productivity. But what are they and how to use them? 

In this article, we’ll take a look at what BYOD policies are, what devices are commonly used in them, and how they can benefit your workplace.

What are BYOD and how are they used?

These are those occasions when a worker uses their own devices to work. For example, when workers use their mobile or laptop at work.

BYOD policies: advantages and disadvantages

On the one hand, BYOD policies allow employees to use their personal devices for work purposes. That can be very helpful to employees and can lead to increased productivity. Plus, it can save businesses money as they don’t have to provide devices to employees.

However, there are also some potential downsides to BYOD policies. For example, suppose employees use their personal devices for work purposes. In that case, they are less likely to keep them up to date with the latest security patches and software updates. 

Also, suppose something happens to the device (for example, it is lost or stolen). In that case, the company may be responsible for its data.

BYOD and security: How to keep your data safe

To alleviate these problems, we should have in mind different security measures. First of all, it is crucial to warn workers of the existing risk so that they take preventive measures to use the devices.

Secondly, it is equally important to establish rules of use and safety that workers must expressly accept. These rules of use and security must include conditions such as:

• That they have a password system to limit unauthorized access.
• Set the screen lock automatically.
• The device can be remotely accessed.
• That they can track the device at all times.
• If the company totally or partially assumes the acquisition cost of the device and the expenses that it originates.
• The worker is responsible for keeping and using the device in safe conditions.
• As soon as the worker ends their employment relationship, they must return the device if the company paid for it and destroy any copies of company data and information in memory.
• Use virtual private networks (VPN) for the storage of sensitive data.
• Install only the applications that they will use in the “workstation”.
• Use only the applications and programs authorized by the company.

How to establish a BYOD policy?

There are several steps companies can take to establish a BYOD policy. The first step is to create a policy that outlines which devices are allowed, what type of data can be accessed or stored on the device, and who is responsible for the security of the device and its data.

Businesses should also develop a process for enrolling employees in the BYOD program and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. In addition, they must educate their employees about the risks associated with using personal devices for work purposes.

Finally, it is expected that the implementation of BYOD causes, especially initially, an increase in inquiries to the maintenance and support department. It would be interesting to create a query database to facilitate the task of this department when guiding colleagues who use BYOD.

If you want an example of what the BYOD policy should contain for your employees and collaborators, take a look at this template. Also, it is beneficial to read the guide that the United Kingdom government has prepared.

BYOD and the Future: What’s Next?

Many predictions indicate that the future of BYOD will be CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) policies. In fact, they are already being implemented in large part of the companies whose workers telecommute.

BYOD and CYOD are similar in that employees use their personal devices for work, but some key differences exist. CYOD is an enterprise mobility model where an organization allows people to select the mobile device they want to use for work. It can be a company-owned device, a personal device, or a shared device.

Also, it can be more expensive for companies because they have to buy the devices for employees. Still, it can be more secure because employees use devices that the company owns and manages.

In conclusion, if your company has workers or collaborators who telecommute, an excellent way to make them more effective is to implement BYOD or CYOD policies. That will allow them greater flexibility and control over their work schedule. Additionally, it can help improve communication and collaboration between team members.

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