How can you ensure your BYOD policy is secure?
Learn from the community’s knowledge. Experts are adding insights into this AI-powered collaborative article, and you could too.
This is a new type of article that we started with the help of AI, and experts are taking it forward by sharing their thoughts directly into each section.
If you’d like to contribute, request an invite by liking or reacting to this article. Learn more
— The LinkedIn Team
Many organizations today allow their employees to use their own devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, for work purposes. This is known as bring your own device (BYOD) and it can offer benefits such as flexibility, productivity, and cost savings. However, BYOD also poses significant cybersecurity risks, such as data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access. Therefore, it is essential to have a robust and effective BYOD policy that ensures the security of your network, data, and devices. Here are some tips on how to do that.
The first step in creating a BYOD policy is to define the scope and objectives of the program. You need to decide which devices, users, and applications are allowed and which are not. You also need to establish the goals and benefits of BYOD for your organization, such as improving efficiency, collaboration, or innovation. You should also consider the legal, regulatory, and ethical implications of BYOD, such as compliance with data protection laws, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality agreements.
-
Zahid Ali
Award-Winning CIO, CTO & Digital Health Leader | Keynote Speaker | Innovation Winner | AI & ChatGPT Futurist | Startup Advisor | IoT | RPM | Telemedicine | Regulations
Embarking on a BYOD journey? Keep these in mind. First, know your playground. Identify devices, applications, and individuals who'll be part of the BYOD framework. Every entity is unique. Second, have crystal clear goals. Boosting efficiency? Encouraging collaboration? Igniting innovation? Have a compass to lead your policy. Thirdly, don't forget the legalities. Data protection, intellectual property, confidentiality - ensure all boxes are ticked to keep you in the clear. Remember, comprehensive planning is key to sail smoothly in the BYOD sea, striking a balance between employee empowerment and organizational safeguarding. Next steps: How about translating these into a detailed BYOD policy for your organization?
-
Richard Reyes, MBA
Digital Strategy & Transformation Expert
In my experience, a strong and clear BYOD Policy is imperative. Make sure you have a detailed policy that outlines the rules and guidelines for device usage, security measures, and employee responsibilities. Communicate this policy to all employees and make sure they are all aware of it and have seen it. So many companies ignore the communication part and pay for it later. In my last job, they found out the hard way that you can't have simple authentication. You need to spend money to implement a strong, multi-factor authentication method for accessing corporate resources from personal devices. This adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords and prevents embarrassing news that data has been breached!
-
Rob van der Burg
Behavioral Architect @ Microsoft | MBA, Organizational Change
I would add to Zahids comment to implement a zero trust strategy. Freedom comes with perks and this way you can control and manage the risks
The next step is to establish the security requirements for the BYOD devices and the network. You need to specify the minimum standards for device security, such as encryption, password protection, antivirus software, and remote wipe capability. You also need to define the network security measures, such as VPN, firewall, authentication, and monitoring. You should also outline the roles and responsibilities of the IT department, the managers, and the users in ensuring the security of the BYOD program.
-
George Kuruvilla
Global Vice President @ Wrike | MBA, Sales Engineering, Solutions Consulting, Customer Success, GTM and Product Strategy
The goal is finding the right balance between security and user experience. Review and update requirements periodically to align with evolving threats and business needs.Identify assets, threats, vulnerabilities to determine security priorities and establish baseline policies.
-
Pradeep Rao
Director, Chief Architect at Kyndryl
Establishing security requirements in a BYOD policy is crucial. Set clear standards for device and network security, including encryption, passwords, antivirus, and remote wipe capability. Define roles for IT, managers, and users in upholding these measures. Clarity ensures a robust defense against potential risks.
-
Anthony Geanoules
Digital Transformation|Technology Strategy & Solutions| AI and Machine Learning|Data & Analytics|PMO & SDLC| Low Code/No Code|Business Process Improvement|Change Management
Ensuring the companies use and security policies is key. Establish and communicate the use guidelines to your users so they understand what may be managed by the organization and what is/isn't permitted. They should understand that they may be required to step up the security - i.e. login credentials, wipe policy, permitted attachments while sending email, etc.
The third step is to educate and train the users on the BYOD policy and the security best practices. You need to communicate the policy clearly and consistently to all the stakeholders, including the employees, contractors, partners, and clients. You need to explain the benefits and risks of BYOD, the dos and don'ts of using personal devices for work, and the consequences of violating the policy. You also need to provide regular training and awareness sessions on topics such as password management, phishing detection, data backup, and device disposal.
-
Zahid Ali
Award-Winning CIO, CTO & Digital Health Leader | Keynote Speaker | Innovation Winner | AI & ChatGPT Futurist | Startup Advisor | IoT | RPM | Telemedicine | Regulations
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy: It's not just a rule book, it's a culture. 3rd phase: Training. Ensuring everyone gets it, from staff to clients. Communication must be clear and accessible. The goal? Everyone to understand what's acceptable when using personal devices for work. Consequences of policy breaches should be well-known. Workshops focusing on password management, phishing attempts, data backup and device disposal are key. Unceasing education = Knowledgeable actions = Secure BYOD environment. Your move. Invest in training to fortify your digital assets.
-
Pradeep Rao
Director, Chief Architect at Kyndryl
Educating and training users in a BYOD policy is crucial for a secure workplace. Clear communication about policy dos and don'ts, coupled with regular training on cybersecurity practices, ensures employees understand the risks and benefits. This empowers them to make informed decisions when using personal devices for work, fostering a culture of security and compliance.
-
Anthony Geanoules
Digital Transformation|Technology Strategy & Solutions| AI and Machine Learning|Data & Analytics|PMO & SDLC| Low Code/No Code|Business Process Improvement|Change Management
A useful way to ensure your organization is knowledgeable of security processes is to "test" them by sending them emails that have phishing elements, insecure attachments, etc. This will help prepare them to notice suspicious emails when the real attacks are attempted.
The fourth step is to monitor and audit the BYOD program regularly and continuously. You need to collect and analyze data on the usage, performance, and security of the BYOD devices and the network. You need to identify and address any issues, incidents, or vulnerabilities that may arise. You also need to review and update the policy periodically to reflect the changing needs, expectations, and challenges of BYOD. You should also solicit feedback and suggestions from the users and the stakeholders on how to improve the BYOD program.
-
Pradeep Rao
Director, Chief Architect at Kyndryl
Monitoring and auditing your BYOD program is like giving it a regular health check. It helps spot any potential issues, ensures performance is up to par, and keeps security tight. By staying proactive, you can adapt to changes and continuously improve, making sure your BYOD policy is always one step ahead.
-
Anthony Geanoules
Digital Transformation|Technology Strategy & Solutions| AI and Machine Learning|Data & Analytics|PMO & SDLC| Low Code/No Code|Business Process Improvement|Change Management
Regular and continuous communications to your organization is key to keeping users aware of your policies. It also keeps security top of mind for the users in the first line who aren't defending the organization on a day-to-day basis.
-
Tom Woodhead MCMI FIC
Leading Digital Innovation, Strategic Consultation, and Governance Across Industries and self-proclaimed 'Rad' Professional
Re-emphasising the point from establishing security requirements. Constant vigilance is key. Regularly monitoring and auditing will help identify potential security breaches and enable continuous improvement. However, balance this with respect for privacy to avoid eroding trust with employees.
The fifth step is to implement a contingency plan for the BYOD program. You need to prepare for the worst-case scenarios, such as device loss, theft, damage, or compromise. You need to have a clear and fast procedure for reporting, responding, and resolving such situations. You also need to have a backup and recovery plan for the data and the devices. You should also have an exit strategy for the BYOD program, in case you decide to terminate or modify it in the future.
-
Pradeep Rao
Director, Chief Architect at Kyndryl
Implementing a contingency plan is crucial in securing a BYOD program. It involves preparing for worst-case scenarios like device loss or compromise. Establish clear procedures for reporting and resolving issues swiftly. Backup data and devices, and have an exit strategy for program modifications or termination. It's about proactive readiness for unforeseen challenges.
-
Tom Woodhead MCMI FIC
Leading Digital Innovation, Strategic Consultation, and Governance Across Industries and self-proclaimed 'Rad' Professional
Be prepared for when things go wrong, because at some point, they likely will. A robust contingency plan should include data breach protocols and device loss or theft responses. Map out some test scenarios. And test your plans regularly.
-
Bala Chandrasekaran PMP®,Prosci® ADKAR
Turning Strategy into Actionable Results using Program | Project | Org. Change | Management
Ensure BYOD framework is implemented in time bound manner through phases timeplans. Also have plan B as alternative to rollback to original state when contingency norms are deviated.
The sixth and final step is to evaluate the outcomes and benefits of the BYOD program. You need to measure and report on the impact and value of BYOD for your organization, such as cost savings, productivity gains, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty. You also need to compare and benchmark your BYOD program with the industry standards and best practices. You should also recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of the users and the stakeholders in the BYOD program.
-
Pradeep Rao
Director, Chief Architect at Kyndryl
Evaluating outcomes and benefits is the final crucial step in ensuring a secure BYOD policy. It involves measuring the impact on cost savings, productivity, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty. Benchmarking against industry standards helps gauge success, while recognizing and rewarding user contributions fosters a positive BYOD culture.
(edited) -
Anthony Geanoules
Digital Transformation|Technology Strategy & Solutions| AI and Machine Learning|Data & Analytics|PMO & SDLC| Low Code/No Code|Business Process Improvement|Change Management
Many companies are finding that to attract talent that are now entering the work force they must allow them to work how they want to work. The risk of allowing this type of flexibility must be balanced with the needs to secure the firm - which, generally is not part of this group's dna. Committing the right policies and investment in educating them so the balance is met is a forever proposition.
-
Tom Woodhead MCMI FIC
Leading Digital Innovation, Strategic Consultation, and Governance Across Industries and self-proclaimed 'Rad' Professional
Continuously assess the effectiveness of the BYOD policy. Look for both the intended and unintended consequences. Be open to making adjustments as needed.
-
Richard Raj
CEO, Knights Move Consulting Limited
Before you embark on BYOD journey you first need to do a comprehensive Cost Benefit Analysis. All the above points show complexities you have to manage with BYOD which still presents considerable risks and perhaps unnecessary expenses. Is managing this your core competency? It maybe cheaper and far lower risk to provide staff with locked company devices. If outright asset ownership is too costly than look at leasing and outsourcing device management. Cost of making Personal devices compliant for business use if a pain in the proverbial butt and it is always a loosy goosy outcome no matter how much you invest. Cos the kid who jumps on a unlocked device while dad was getting a coffee and downloads a Trojans is bloody hard to mitigate 🙂.
-
Dr Nedim Dedic
Head of / Coach Enterprise Architecture & IT/Digitalization Leadership Team Member
Let me be clear about one serious thing regarding BYOD concept: While it might work for startups at the beginning of their journey, if you're serious and respectable organization, you'll never do it. A serious organization will always provide necessary devices to its employees! It's not the job of employee to ensure resources they need to be able to work, but of employer. Also, such concept erases borders between private and working life, which highers the chances of getting burnout. However, as there are always exceptions, if some employees insist on it, you should allow it if their devices complies with organizational and security requirements.
-
Rendani Ramuthaga
Regional IT Head @ Godrej Consumer Products Limited | MBA, SAP, IT Management, AgilePM®
In my view BYOD provides a cost effective way to manage some IT costs especially around mobile devices/phones. By having a BYOD policy you can avoid the costs related to the organization issuing mobile phones to employees. Employees also avoid having too many devices. What becomes critical is the related policy to govern all of this. Mobile devices today offer functionality to segregate workspaces between personal and work. So, an organization needs to implement this segregation in order to keep the environments separated and make sure the workspace if managed well.