The Downsides of Bringing Your Own Device (BYOD) to Work

Many employees use their devices at work, but they are highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. They can lose or leak sensitive data, which can compromise company systems and lead to problems. It is especially dangerous for employees to connect their devices to public wireless hotspots, exposing company systems to the risk of hacking. Employees also fail to use proper security procedures when downloading applications.

Bringing a personal device to work can expose sensitive data to hackers.

Employers must protect sensitive data and devices to keep workers productive, but bring your own device policies must be carefully established to mitigate these risks. Employers should be aware that personal devices pose more security risks than company-owned devices. Because employers don’t have complete control of employee devices, they are more likely to contain malware that can compromise corporate networks. Additionally, BYOD policies must explicitly authorize employees to wipe confidential business information from their devices remotely.

Using portable devices is especially risky. They can be easily stolen if left unattended. In addition, mobile devices can be remotely hacked if employees connect to public wireless networks. Another risk to unsecured data on a personal device is that passersby can view the screen. Because of this, employers should require employees to use privacy screens for their mobile devices and install antivirus software. They should also enable remote wipe capabilities if their devices are lost or stolen. They should also allow automatic lockdown after a few failed log-in attempts.

It can interfere with productivity.

Advocates of bringing your own device (BYOD) argue that it increases employee productivity, but there are many downsides. While iPhones and Androids have many useful business applications, they also come with thousands of distractions. They can easily be sucked into watching a Buzzfeed video, texting a friend, or updating their Facebook status. Nevertheless, the rise of mobile computing may make BYOD an unavoidable trend for the future of the workforce. Providing employees with the ability to bring their own devices to work has many benefits, but it may also decrease productivity. 

While BYOD does not necessarily increase employee productivity, it can reduce employee turnover and improve employee satisfaction. A recent study from Deloitte found that BYOD policies helped employees stay at their current jobs for two years. It also helped businesses reduce recruitment costs by making employees feel more appreciated. Companies should also consider the benefits of BYOD policies, such as increased engagement and employee satisfaction. It’s important to remember that employees are likely to stay with the flexible IT policies of the company.

It can increase costs.

While allowing employees to use their own devices at work has several benefits, banning them could lead to riots among employees. While working, personal devices can improve productivity and increase employee satisfaction, but that’s not the end of the argument. Allowing employees to bring their own devices to work can also increase company costs. A BYOD policy can increase company expenses by increasing expense reports. Aberdeen Group estimates that expenses from employee use of their own devices cost 18 cents per expense report.

Employees who bring their own devices also tend to take better care of their devices. When employees use company-issued devices, they may not regularly update them or ignore security updates. However, employees who use their own devices are likely to install all the latest updates and security patches. As a result, it can increase company costs and employee resentment. Some companies have even gone as far as mandating that employees use only a specific operating system for work.