Techblog
Five tips for successful BYOD integration: A Guide for SMEs
Proper integration of a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) programme across a company’s mobile workforce can help save costs and while ensuring a high level of data security.
According to research by IDC, across Asia Pacific, 22.5 per cent of smartphones, 4.9 per cent of tablets and 11.7 per cent of notebooks were purchased for BYOD purposes in 2013.
Many SMEs have implemented BYOD programmes in order to save on equipment costs, reduce the administrative burden on IT departments and also to allow employees to comfortably work using devices that they are already familiar with.
As BYOD adoption is predicted to continue rising at a rapid pace in 2015, policies will need to be in place in order to ensure a seamless transition in BYOD use, and a smooth operational flow in the workplace while maintaining appropriate data security levels. Here are five BYOD-integration tips for SMEs to help mitigate security concerns and data theft risks:
1. Conduct a device audit
Before performing any integration or implementing any policies, it is advisable for a business to assess what the BYOD situation is like currently in the office. Obtaining a record of which devices and business-related apps are in use by employees can give businesses a good idea of what software works best for teams to use to reach optimum efficiency.
2. Set an acceptable use policy
Many BYOD users, since they’re using their own personal smartphone, may use unsecured apps alongside business tools that contain sensitive information. Because of this, it is essential for SMEs to implement an acceptable use policy for employees to follow. Such a policy can take many forms, and include rules about
- third party software allowed to access company data,
- preferred or accepted equipment, or
- certain programs that may or may not be permitted to operate on a personal device used for work purposes
3. Simplify software solutions
Using a cloud solution like Microsoft Office 365 that combines messaging, cloud storage and collaboration tools allows a team to safely manage entire workflows and communication tasks without increasing the number of mobile accounts that could potentially cause security exploits. This in turn can help teams operate better, therefore improving all general team operations and security standards.
4. Post-employment device management
Even with an acceptable use policy in place, control checks should be similarly applied to leavers of the firm to ensure that all apps containing business data are appropriately removed from a user’s device upon the cessation of his or her tenure with the company. For better data security, shared passwords should be regularly changed and authentication methods should be revisited often to prevent unauthorised access.
To reduce potential issues with regards to the management of devices, companies can consider mobile device management solutions that allow users to implement policies, secure devices and manage access to users, devices and apps. The company will then have better control over the BYOD infrastructure as a whole.
5. Training and lessons learned
Devices and apps used in a BYOD workplace often require frequent updating. As such, firms should conduct training sessions as and when appropriate to ensure that employees are familiar with their access to the latest functions and security features available for their usage. SMEs should also measure key performance indicators of their BYOD programmes and obtain feedback from users where possible. This can help to identify areas for improvement later on, or allow a company to decide if, as the company grows, whether a BYOD programme is feasible or too risky to implement versus its cost benefits.
With the appropriate policies and practices in place, SMEs can benefit from potentially huge cost savings and continued remote working convenience with a BYOD programme.