Back

The Pros and Cons of BYOD for Enterprise

In recent years, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies have grown in popularity. In fact, a 2015 study showed that almost three-quarters of companies have a BYOD policy or plan to implement one in the near future...

3 min read
Published on Oct 6, 2016
the-pros-and-cons-of-byod

In recent years, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies have grown in popularity. In fact, a 2015 study showed that almost three-quarters of companies have a BYOD policy or plan to implement one in the near future. It’s important to take time now, before adopting such a policy, to understand the pros and cons of BYOD.

Primary Pros and Cons of BYOD: Convenience Vs. Security

For many organizations, the biggest benefit of a BYOD policy is increased productivity. Your employees already know how to use their own devices, so they don’t have to go through a learning curve before they can begin their work. Avoiding this hurdle is particularly beneficial for new employees who aren’t yet familiar with your company systems.

The primary drawback of BYOD is security. Businesses that allow employees to use their own devices to access company networks have to consider the possibility that those devices might be lost, stolen or otherwise compromised, giving criminals the opportunity to steal valuable company data.

As a result, you must have security safeguards and BYOD policies in place to restrict network access and keep confidential data safe.

Other Pros of BYOD: Flexibility and Financial Savings

Flexible working is important to many of today’s young employees. Millennials expect to be able to work from home, access their emails and important data while traveling and remain connected to their co-workers at all times. By allowing these tech-savvy employees to connect their devices to your company network, you free them to work from anywhere without having to save their files on flash drives or email their documents between accounts. The increased flexibility can persuade employees to put in more hours, boosting productivity across your organization.

BYOD policies have important cost benefits for employers. By allowing employees to use devices they already own, you can reduce the amount you spend on hardware and employee training. Employees also front the costs of data and other services, further cutting costs for your organization.

Other Cons of BYOD: Compatibility and Compliance

The downside of a BYOD approach is that you can end up with a variety of devices connected to your company systems. Your business apps, therefore, must be able to run on many operating systems, from older versions of Android to the latest release of iOS. Some devices may even run on less common operating systems, such as Windows Mobile or Blackberry OS. The costs of ensuring compatibility across all devices could eclipse the savings you make on hardware.

The other major issue is ensuring compliance with government or industry regulations. For example, businesses in the healthcare industry must follow strict rules to keep patient data secure, as outlined in HIPAA. You may find it difficult to meet requirements when your employees can access data from anywhere using their personal devices. However, employee education and enhanced security measures such as two-factor authentication can reduce the risk of a breach.

The Solution to BYOD Problems

Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite can solve many of the security and management drawbacks of BYOD policies, while also boosting productivity. This useful suite of apps provides a consistent experience across Windows, Android and iOS operating systems, and it provides many important security benefits for enterprises.

Learn more about the Enterprise Mobility Suite to discover how it can help you implement a secure and successful BYOD policy.

This post has matured and its content may no longer be relevant beyond historical reference. To see the most current information on a given topic, click on the associated category or tag.

Related Posts

Risks of not using a CMMC RPO

The Risks of Not Using a CMMC RPO for Compliance and Certification Readiness

A CMMC RPO helps organizations prepare for certification and avoid compliance failures. Learn why working with an RPO is essential for achieving CMMC compliance.

Mar 20, 2025
8 min read
CMMC 2.0 Require GCC High for Compliance

Does CMMC 2.0 Require GCC High for Compliance?

Does CMMC 2.0 require GCC High? Learn the cloud options for compliance, data security, and protecting CUI under NIST 800-171 and DFARS.

Mar 17, 2025
10 min read
Office 365 License Comparison: Business Plans Vs. E5, E3 and E1

CMMC RPO vs a C3PAO: Understanding Their Roles in Compliance

Understanding the difference between an RPO and a C3PAO is crucial for CMMC compliance. Learn why they should be separate and how an RPO helps prepare for certification.

Mar 15, 2025
6 min read
Can You Meet CMMC with Google Workspace?

Can You Meet CMMC with Google Workspace?

Is Google Workspace CMMC compliant? Learn about its DFARS, NIST 800-171, and ITAR limitations and how migrating to GCC High ensures full compliance.

Mar 4, 2025
7 min read
Is Maintaining a GCC High Tenant Worth It for Non-Government

Evaluating the Need for a GCC High Tenant in Non-Government Organizations

Explore whether maintaining a GCC High tenant is necessary for organizations not involved in government work. Understand the pros and cons, costs, and compliance considerations.

Feb 25, 2025
7 min read
Top 10 Reasons to Partner with an MSP for Security and Compliance

Top 10 Reasons to Partner with an MSP for Security and Compliance

Discover why partnering with an MSP for security and compliance is critical for organizations navigating FAR CUI and CMMC requirements.

Feb 21, 2025
8 min read

Ready to Secure and Defend Your Data
So Your Business Can Thrive?

Fill out the form to see how we can protect your data and help your business grow.

Loading...
Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Let's start a conversation

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Location

Agile IT Headquarters
4660 La Jolla Village Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92122

Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out

Schedule a Free Consultation