What Is BYOD?

Date First Published: 22nd September 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Ethics & Sustainability

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 4/10

CONTENTS

BYOD Policy
Advantages and Disadvantages Of BYOD

Learn about what BYOD is in this article.

Stands for Bring Your Own Device. BYOD is the practice of allowing employees in an organisation to use their own devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones for work purposes instead of using an officially provided work device. The work-related activities often include checking emails and accessing work apps and data.

BYOD Policy

A BYOD policy is usually available in a document that employees agree to. It is an acceptable use policy for using personal devices for work purposes. A BYOD policy may consist of the following:

Acceptable use for using personal devices for work-related activities.
The types of personal devices the organisation approves of. Not all devices are suitable for work use, such as devices using outdated operating systems.
The minimum processing power, storage, memory, and other requirements of the personal device.
Plans for emergency situations, like losing the device.
Security measures, such as passwords and two-factor authentication.
Software that must be installed to secure the device.
A reimbursement plan for any device-related costs, such as a mobile data plan.
User responsibilities regarding the device and access to the organisation's network.
Rules regarding the separation of personal and work data, like creating separate profiles to keep work and personal internet activity separate.
The rules regarding non-work-related websites, like social media, games, and file streaming. Some organisations may block these websites on their network to prevent employees from becoming distracted.
An exit plan when employees no longer want to use their personal devices for work purposes or leave the organisation. The process will often involve erasing work data from personal devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of BYOD

The advantages of BYOD are:

It greatly reduces costs for organisations. BYOD means that the IT department no longer has to buy work devices for each of their employees. They also don't have to pay for any repairs or upgrades for any of the devices.
Increased flexibility. BYOD allows employees to choose the devices they are most comfortable and familiar with. This means that they can use them fluently to complete their work more efficiently and are less likely to encounter problems that will slow them down, such as using a device they don't like or don't understand.
Training is not usually required. Since employees are already familiar with and know how to use their own devices, it is less likely that training will be needed for employees to make use of a new operating system or interface, saving time.

The disadvantages of BYOD are:

They are often less secure than officially provided work devices. Personal devices are not directly managed by an IT department, making it harder for the department to ensure that hackers cannot access private data on the devices. The personal devices that employees use may also not include security features, like firewalls or antivirus software, leaving them vulnerable.
Increased chances of distractions. Since employees are familiar with the devices, it is likely that they have already installed some non-work-related software on there, like personal social media and games. This can cause employees to avoid tasks and responsibilities and IT cannot fully manage an employee's personal device to restrict apps.
It can lead to compatibility issues. Different devices have different operating systems, software versions, and screen sizes. Employee's devices may not be compatible with certain software applications used for work purposes.