4 Tips For A Better BYOD Policy For Your Business
Cloud technology is that wonderful development that allows you to work from anywhere. It saves you money. It helps keep staff morale high, and it streamlines your business systems and practices. Whether you’re ready for it or not, mobile workflows are no longer an idea for the future. Small and medium-sized businesses are finding themselves under pressure to provide their employees with opportunities to work where they want, when they want, and on whatever device they want.
Yes, you did read that correctly. You don’t have to spend a fortune providing your staff with computers. They can use their own … as in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Of course, before diving into that pool, you’ll need to arm yourself with the means to keep your business afloat.
You need a solid BYOD policy that works for your business.
the issues
The beauty of any BYOD policy or mobile strategy is that it can be designed to reflect your business’s unique goals and culture. But, compatibility issues between devices is a common complaint. Keeping staff attention on work instead of Facebook or game apps might prove challenging. Protecting private company and client data when employees can access files from their personal devices is also top of mind. Finally, what happens to all of that sensitive data when an employee leaves the company?
The thought of dealing with even one of those issues on top of all the usual challenges you face is enough to make any business owner turn and run in the other direction.
Except, you can’t ignore this trend. Mobile workflow and BYOD are here to stay.
the solutions
Use a cloud service to configure software that your business uses with the staff’s own devices. Staff will be able to create dual profiles (one for work; one for personal) that remain separate. Security measures are implemented remotely through the cloud. So, if an employee’s device is lost, stolen, or if the employee leaves the company, all the sensitive data can be remotely deleted.
Cloud computing makes BYOD more secure.
Did you know that you can monitor which apps or websites employees access, and how much time they spend on those apps and websites? Once you have that information, you can impose filters that block out apps, websites, or even specific hours of the day.
byod policy best practices
1. Develop a clear policy. Indicate what files or software can be downloaded, who needs to authorize those downloads, and how staff who don’t comply will be disciplined.
2. Implement strong security measures. Two-factor authentication, strong passwords that are changed on a regular basis, and an access control list are some well proven practices.
3. Train, support, repeat. Your staff are experts at their jobs. They’re not necessarily experts at mobile workflows, cloud technology, or cyber security. Provide them with short, consistent training sessions that will remind them of the company security policy and practices, acceptable internet use, and tech support for any compatibility issues they run into.
4. Add technology to your employee exit checklist. When an employee leaves the company – for any reason – you need to end his or her access to company files, systems, and data.
Do this:
– Disable the employee’s internal user accounts.
– Change all shared passwords.
– Close the employee’s email account.
– Terminate remote-desktop access.
Whether you’re new to cloud computing or not, every business needs a BYOD policy. Give us a call if you need help crafting one for your business.