Question

Write a summary on “BYOD” with an introduction, stating pros and cons and some solutions. Cite at least two examples as solutions to BYOD security issues. (Hint: See BYOD Stirs Up Legal Problems for ideas

Answer 1

BYOD programs enable employees to utilize their own devices at work and access company data and network from their personal devices. This may demonstrate ideal for certain organizations as it reduces the measure of duty that is set on the business encompassing obtainment.
With the increasing consumerism and mobility of the workspaces, this has turned into the most prominent alternative.
However, BYOD programs can pose a significant obstacle in managing Data and security. This can become challenging for the internal IT teams as a lot of time and energy is consumed in managing BYOD Programs internally. At last, the choice of BYOD can prove to be expensive if not handled carefully.

Advantages of BYOD

• Lower hardware cost which can save companies money. The cost of the hardware is shifted from the company to the employee adding savings to the company     
• Increased convenience for the user. The user has the choice of changing/modifying the device at his own will.
• Increased productivity employer won't have to train employees to use the new device and can get work done faster than the company owned device  
• Increased Authority of the user. Since the device is owned by the user, he has more control over it.

  

Cons of BYOD

• Security is harder to enforce in devices as the device is not completely owned by the organization
• An employee can introduce a virus/ malware onto the company from their device and put the company network at risk
• Increased data security risk
• Increased distractions employes are more likely to use the devices for personal items during the workHours.

Solutions

• Devices should be password protected. It should be the first step towards security but users still choose to ignore it. Passwords should be unique for each device.
• Mobile device management software- it is a software used for the administration of devices. it allows the IT department to implement security settings and software configurations on the devices used by the employees. There are third-party solutions available for management of devices. for example Cisco Meraki, IBM MaaS360
• COPE policy (corporate owned, personally enabled)- In this, the organization owns the device and provides it to employees for work and personal use. For example, some European countries prohibit companies from wiping data on personal devices if the employee loses the device the company can do nothing about it. COPE eliminates the concern because the device belongs to the company.