We all use personal devices - even at work. It has taken a while for companies to switch from seeing this as a problem to realizing the trend is not going away, and it might even help productivity.

A 2017 Pew Research Center report found that “roughly three-quarters of Americans (77 percent) now own a smartphone and half the public now owns a tablet computer”. As more and more people use their smartphones, tablets and other personal devices at work, make sure you have a good Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy and security plan in place.

BYOD Policies

Build your BYOD policy around the infrastructure and devices you already have, but keep it flexible enough to update as technology changes.
Try to keep the following things in mind when you create your policy:

• Document - Create a clear and easy-to-follow document that outlines which devices employees can use and the security measures they must follow.
• Be flexibile - Establish a policy that includes all of the applications and technologies you currently use. If you add new tools, make sure they are user-friendly, and encourage collaboration and productivity. Leave room for updates because things always change.
• Instruct - Teach your staff members where to go if they need help or have questions. Make sure your IT support team knows how to safely integrate personal devices with the corporate infrastructure.
• Enforce - Use management tools and follow industry best practices so enforcement is automatic and easy.
• Remain current - Update your policy consistently to remain on top of new issues. If people see your company as one that makes it easy for employees to do their job, you may tip things in your favor when trying to attract new job candidates.

Security

When you allow access to your corporate network from personal devices, make sure you work with your IT support team to protect your data.

• Change passwords - Make sure your employees don’t get stuck in a rut and use the same passwords for months - or the same passwords for different apps and websites. Continually mix it up and keep hackers guessing.
• Disable remote access - Have employees disable their remote access when they aren’t using it.
• Practice mock attacks - Hold mock security drills with your team so they know how to react in the case of a real cyber attack.
• Use the right storage - Make sure your employees only use approved data storage devices so that your IT Support team can control any potential security breaks.  
• Add anti-virus software - Laptops and desktops should all run antivirus and anti-spyware software. Set up a schedule for employees to run the checks themselves, or make it even easier and have an IT specialist remotely organize and manage this.
• Secure your network - Personal devices create many new endpoints that could potentially access all your information unless they are secured. Take steps to secure all new access points.
• Educate - Keep your employees aware of possible security problems and up-to-date on best security practices. Continually instruct them on the latest ways to keep all data protected.

Let TeamLogic IT help you to create and set up BYOD and security plans, as well as remotely monitor and manage them. Contact us if you want to create new strategies so employees can use their personal devices without fear of causing security issues at work.
 
Since 2007, TeamLogic IT has become the 36th largest IT service provider globally. Our success is driven through one core mission - to leverage technology for our customers.Thousands of businesses across the US - just like yours here in Wilmington, NC - are taking advantage of our ability to deliver highly available, secure and flexible IT systems. At TeamLogic IT, our philosophy is simple - we work with you the way we'd want someone to work with us. Visit us today in the Port City at 2901 North Kerr Ave., 910-500-1392. If email works best for you, contact me personally at [email protected].