The Risks of BYOD

April 7, 2017

As work and personal life continues to blur, companies once resistant to bring your own device (BYOD) programs, are now embracing the increased collaboration, productivity and cost savings that BYOD allows.

Companies that do not take a proactive approach to managing the use of personal devices face growing risks, as costs associated with data losses, privacy breaches and other cyber threats continue to rise.

Establish a Formal BYOD Policy

1. Determine what and how devices are used.
   • Specify the type of devices that are allowed to be used
   • Discuss how employees connect to networks (e.g., through a secured wi-fi connection)
   • Include what applications are approved for use, including downloadable apps and cloud-based tools.
2. Set expectations.
   • Your policy can specify that the company has no responsibility for lost or damaged personal devices or employee injury from misuse of a personal device.
   • The policy can also restrict the type of data that can be transferred to personal devices, and establish protocols for data synchronization and backup.
3. Establish requirements.
   • The policy can require employees to install the latest operating system updates, corporate-designated anti-virus software, encryption software and remote data-wiping capability.

Another important tool to protect your business is cyber security insurance, specialized policies that offer coverages such as errors and omissions, network and information security and cyber breach liability to address cyber exposures. Contact us to discuss your options.

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