We are now in an era where remote and hybrid work is the norm, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies are increasingly common. Companies see BYOD as a solution for cost-cutting and a way to improve employee satisfaction by letting staff use their own IT hardware for work. But is this really a win for IT teams, or a security problem in the making?
BYOD indeed provides flexibility, but at the same time, it introduces notable security risks, compliance concerns, and IT asset management issues, namely IT visibility. Data breaches, device mismanagement, and even regulatory violations can happen without the right ITAM software. Here are some of the risks that could emerge, and how to avoid them.
Alt-text: BYOD and challenges of remote work
BYOD Risks: What Could Go Wrong?
- Security vulnerabilities: Usually, personal devices lack enterprise-grade security, making them easy targets for hackers.
- Lack of IT visibility: IT teams struggle to monitor and manage assets they don’t directly control, leading to shadow IT (unapproved applications and services).
- Compliance risks: GDPR and SOC 2 are regulations requiring strict data protection measures; poorly managed BYOD programs can lead to compliance violations.
- Software licensing issues: Legal and financial risks for firms emerge when remote employees use unauthorized software.
- IT support challenges: Troubleshooting and securing a broad range of devices opens a host of IT support difficulties, with different operating systems and configurations.
ITAM Software Strengthens BYOD Policies
One reason that companies opt for BYOD policies is that they avoid complications in IT logistics and IT procurement. While there are excellent options to simplify both, BYOD can still work if it is well implemented.
To do so, a BYOD policy requires security, control, and visibility. All of these can be achieved using IT asset management (ITAM) software. Here’s how good ITAM can help your business navigate the challenging landscape of BYOD:
- Tracking & management for all devices: ITAM software allows IT teams to register and track all devices, ensuring policy compliance.
- Automated security compliance: It’s easier for companies to enforce encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and remote data wipe capabilities for BYOD devices.
- Cost management: Using ITAM software ensures companies can determine when IT procurement of company-owned devices is more cost-effective than allowing BYOD.
- Compliance with software licensing: Employees will use approved applications, which using MDM (as mentioned in the next point) can be pre-installed on employees’ devices and managed before remote onboarding and during their employment.
- Seamless integration with HRIS & MDM: an efficient ITAM platform integrates with the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions. This enables policy enforcement and automated access control.
BYOD Security Checklist for IT Teams
IT teams should follow several best practices before implementing a BYOD policy:Require device registration
- Enforce security policies
- Use ITAM software
- Restrict access to sensitive information
- Implement MDM solutions
- Ensure GDPR and SOC 2 compliance
- Regularly update security protocols
A Smarter Approach with Dots
For businesses that want the best of both worlds—BYOD flexibility and enterprise-level security—using a centralized IT procurement and ITAM platform is essential. A one-stop-shop platform like Dots IT asset management software simplifies these tasks while also integrating with HRIS and MDM to make onboarding and managing your company’s IT equipment simple and easy.
Are you ready to streamline your IT operations? Book a demo today to discover how Dots can help manage your IT procurement and BYOD policies securely.
