Personal preferences for Apple IOS, Google Android, and Microsoft Windows-based devices are driving consumer devices into the corporate networks and create device management and data security concerns. Home offices, the desire to have the newest devices on the market, tablets, netbooks, and smartphone preferences all cause a need for organizations to create a “BYOD policy”. Right now, only about 50% of companies have and enforce a personal device policy. Companies that do not have a mobile device management solution and personal device policy leave themselves exposed to loss of data and possible legal exposure. There are some basic requirements to secure the data on these devices. Policies and automation are needed to establish and enforce these basic requirements. Enforcement of passwords, restrictions of applications, remote device wipe, secure application presentation and even mobile device desktop virtualization are measures that can be taken to make personal devices used in business more secure.
Companies can benefit from employees who are funding their own equipment which makes them more effective in their roles. With the right BYOD policies implemented and enforced the employees will feel empowered and more effective while the risk to the business is managed and controlled.
Steve Lankard, CTO-US, OnX