3 Key Points to Include in Your Company’s BYOD Policy

There are a number of reasons why business owners are adopting Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, policies in their company. Since many people regularly update their personal devices like smartphones and tablets to the latest models, allowing them to use these state-of-the-art products at work means they will be using the best technology possible.

In addition, some business owners contend that if their team uses their own mobile devices at work, they will save money by not having to buy computer equipment as often.

By creating a clear and well-written list of rules and guidelines for BYOD use, and requiring that all team members read and sign the policy, you can avoid some common issues. For example, the following three items should be part of any company’s comprehensive BYOD program:

Keep Work Separate From Play

A common concern among employees who BYOD is that their employer may gain access to their personal data like bank account info, photos, emails and more.

To alleviate this worry, and help you ensure that work will stay separate from play on the smartphone or tablet, use mobile device management technology, such as Amtel, to establish a virtual wall in the device. This will allow you to access your employees’ work-related info but not anything private. Clearly explain this process in your BYOD policy and explain the steps you will take to secure your employees’ personal data.

Use Devices with Outstanding Security Features

Just because you encourage your team to BYOD to work, you don’t have to adopt a carte blanche attitude about the policy. Since some mobile devices have better security systems in place than others, make it clear that staff members must use smartphones and tablets that feature the fastest mobile processors.

A great example of this is the Qualcomm Haven security suite, which provides devices top-notch security from the inside out. For example, the latest Mobile Security components from Qualcomm include a secure camera and secure token, which is designed to provide authentication for a hardware-based validation process. Smartphones that are equipped with a Qualcomm security suite will also be much more difficult for hackers to get into; this means if your employees accidentally leave their mobile devices in a hotel room or lose them at the mall, your company info can stay secure.

Make Antivirus and Anti-spyware Programs Mandatory

Employees who are using their own smartphones, tablets and laptops for work should be required to use some type of antivirus and anti-malware software.

This way, if there is a malware attack or employee breach of some type, your company’s network will not be compromised. If you are reluctant to ask your team to pay for anti-virus and malware programs, simply Google something like “free malware programs” to find loads of options that won’t cost anyone a dime.

For example, Tech Radar recently compiled their list of the best free anti-spyware and anti-malware software; create a Word doc with a number of suggested programs and include it with the BYOD policy for your employees.

Whatever the reason for allowing a BYOD policy at work, it is imperative to put very clear rules in place that will make this system secure, legal and fair.