What is Your BYOD Policy?

If your answer is, “I’m not sure” or “No, we don’t have one,” you’re putting corporate security at risk.

But you’re not alone. A recent survey revealed that one in three companies allows unrestricted access to corporate data on personal connected devices.

Despite the lack of action, 34 percent of people surveyed thought that personal devices presented a threat and 23 percent already had data compromised due to a lost or stolen device.

Despite Risks, BYOD Is Here to Stay

Companies may view BYOD as a risk, but only nine percent of those surveyed said that they were looking to introduce a ban on personal devices. Most other companies said they believe that the number of personal devices in the workplace would continue to increase.

Companies that plan to work with the growing number of personal devices are also more likely to attract new hires. Employees are looking for organizations that let them to use their devices at work. A BYOD policy that allows these devices will help to attract and retain the best and the brightest. A Unisys report found that 44% of job seekers view an organization more positively if it supports their device.

Instead of banning these mobile devices, companies should look toward embracing future trends and focus on helping users manage and secure their devices.

To minimize BYOD risks, companies must define a BYOD policy that provides employees flexibility while still protecting sensitive information. Your BYOD policy should identify exactly what information needs to be protected and the employees that should have access to it. Then you must educate employees so that their answer to the question ‘What is your BYOD policy’ is never, “I’m not sure.”