Bring Your Own Device – could it work for you?
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is an organisational policy that allows employees to use their own phones, laptops or tablets to access corporate networks, work apps and data, rather than carrying a separate company device.
With modern Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solutions, BYOD can allow businesses to give employees secure access to company resources while still respecting their privacy.
On Android devices, this is usually done using an Android Enterprise Work Profile. This creates a separate space on the device for work apps and data, keeping them separate from the employee’s personal photos, messages and apps. It’s a great way to give employees the flexibility to use one device for both work and personal use.
On iOS devices, BYOD works a little differently. Rather than creating a separate work profile, iOS uses built-in management features to apply policies to work accounts, applications and data while leaving the employee’s personal information untouched.
Although the experience is different from Android, the goal is the same: to protect company data without giving IT access to an employee’s personal content.
When is BYOD a good choice?
BYOD can be a great option for businesses that want to support flexible working, reduce the cost of buying company devices, or make it easier for employees to get started.
It’s especially useful for remote workers, hybrid teams, contractors or anyone who only needs occasional access to work systems.
It can help efficiency too as the device owner will be using familiar, upgraded technology while removing the inconvenience of having to carry two phones.
The vital role of access policies
Many people assume that once a device has been enrolled, company data is fully protected. In reality, device management only controls the managed applications and data that fall within its scope.
An EMM platform manages the device and its applications, and also enables wiping of any company data it controls.
However, it doesn’t decide who is allowed to access business services. That responsibility belongs to your identity and access management solution.
Without the right access controls in place, a user may still be able to install the same app in their personal profile and sign in using their work account. This means company data could be accessed outside of the managed environment, reducing many of the security benefits that BYOD is designed to provide. This is especially the case if a device is lost or stolen.
That’s why BYOD should always be part of a wider security strategy. Device management should work alongside identity management, multi-factor authentication, and access policies to make sure company data can only be accessed from trusted, managed devices and applications.
Going beyond Work Profiles to optimise security
BYOD is a fantastic option for many organisations. It gives employees the flexibility to work from a device they already know, while helping businesses reduce costs and simplify device management.
The key is remembering that a Work Profile is only one part of the solution. A successful BYOD deployment combines EMM with the right identity and access controls to ensure company data stays protected. When these technologies work together, businesses can enjoy the benefits of BYOD without compromising on security.
Consulting a specialist EMM provider will help establish whether BYOD is the right choice for your organisation.