By Zac Amos
Companies have experienced unprecedented changes in recent years. Amid a swift transition to remote work during the pandemic, few were prepared for the new business norm. Many companies have maintained work-from-home policies to appease employees prioritizing a better work-life balance and well-being. At the same time, they have begun to allow employees to use their personal computers for work.
There’s still much to learn about our work culture’s newest direction, including building a more cyber-secure workforce. Cybersecurity threats are rising at an alarming rate, posing a heightened risk to employees using personal devices to complete tasks. Although business leaders benefit from bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies—such as cost savings and requiring fewer resources—allowing teams to use their own digital tools may come at a price.
Here’s what you should know about the pros and cons of letting your employees use personal computers for work and measures you can take to protect your business from cyberattacks.
BYOD: A potential cybersecurity risk
Many companies have allowed employees to decide what devices they use for work as BYOD policies rise in popularity. However, the initiative could pose a severe cybersecurity risk when implemented incorrectly. Before creating BYOD policies for your company, consider the pros and cons of personal computer use.
Pros of personal computers for work
Why should a company spend money furnishing a device when employees already have their own? According to Zippia, BYOD policies generate $350 per employee annually, making it a cost-saving and resource-friendly initiative.
Additionally, BYOD often results in higher employee satisfaction. Some people might have a preferred device or brand that ensures greater productivity and efficiency. Using personal computers also decreases the number of devices employees use between personal and professional tasks.
Workers also tend to get attached to the devices they paid for and own themselves, meaning they’re more likely to keep up with updates to ensure their device functions properly.
Cons of personal computers for work
Despite its benefits, not all employees enjoy utilizing the same devices for work and personal use. Some prefer to keep them separate. Likewise, lagging security has raised many concerns—for instance, 63% worry about data leakage, while 53% and 52% are most concerned about unauthorized access and malware, respectively.
Cybercrime often leads to monetary losses, with small and medium-sized businesses facing the highest risk. The UK National Fraud Intelligence Bureau reported losses worth over $40 million for companies hit by online attacks throughout the pandemic.
Other cons associated with BYOD programs include the following:
- Employers have less control over antivirus software protection.
- Employees are more likely to use personal devices for personal reasons, increasing cyber threats.
- Company data is at a higher risk of being stolen by former employees or other people who use the device.
- Software updates can be more challenging to implement across multiple devices.
Companies should have employees sign contracts to adhere to BYOD policies. While contracts may not remedy all potential cybersecurity threats on personal computers, they help raise awareness for employees and serve as a reminder to practice special care while conducting business.
Cybersecurity tips for personal computer use at work
Whether you allow teams to use personal computers for work or not, there are several measures your employees can take to bolster your company’s security posture.
1. Secure Wi-Fi connection
Remote workers and those using personal computers should ensure their Wi-Fi connections are secure at all times. Hackers can easily infiltrate networks with a WEP router or those without passcodes, so make it the company policy always to select WPA2 connections for work-related use.
Employees should also look at their router manuals for additional security measures they can implement at home.
2. Keep devices updated
Companies with BYOD policies may decide to provide a list of acceptable personal devices for work. Although not entirely impenetrable, Apple technologies tend to be more secure due to the company’s control over its hardware and software.
Additionally, employees must commit to updating their operating systems, applications and software upon every rollout to ensure optimal performance and security.
3. Install antivirus software
Companies might require specific antivirus software installed on every personal device used for work. Antivirus software will protect systems from cyber threats and ensure that business content is always safeguarded.
Employers should also encourage employees to install additional antivirus programs as an added layer of protection.
4. Utilize multifactor authentication
Traditional passwords are not enough to shield computers and networks from cyber criminals. Scammers have the means of cracking even the strongest passwords. Nowadays, multifactor authentication delivers the most secure digital use.
Require employees to have at least a two-factor authentication across all devices. This strategy will help prevent user impersonation. For example, any combination of fingerprint, question-answer, fob, or numbered passcode can be part of a multifactor authentication that works.
5. Specify use
Company BYOD policies should clearly state what functions and applications are allowed on personal devices for work. Any external programs or websites that pose a heightened security risk should be banned. It may also be the case that certain company accounts are inaccessible on mobile devices.
Additionally, employees should be mindful of inputting sensitive information into forms, emails, and other documents. Information that gets into the wrong hands could be detrimental to the company.
6. Issue cybersecurity training
A survey of U.S. employees found that 45% are unsure they can identify a phishing attack in their emails. Meanwhile, phishing is one of the most common cybercrimes companies and individuals face today.
During Covid-19, cybersecurity training fell flat as workers settled into their home offices. However, issuing regular training modules could be a ticket to safe personal computer use for work.
Companies should ensure employees have the confidence to identify and handle threats as they appear, whether working at home or in the office with personal devices. Individual accountability for strong cybersecurity expertise can save companies from devastating losses.
Personal computers for work is risky business
The risks associated with utilizing personal devices for work far outweigh the advantages for employers. Companies implementing BYOD policies maintain less control over their business dealings and employee technology use. Unless employees are willing to abide by stringent personal use rules, BYOD may or may not be the wisest decision.
FAQS on BYOD
Below we have summarized important questions and answers on the subject:
What does the term BYOD mean?
BYOD means Bring Your Own Device. In business, BYOD is a policy that allows employees to use personal devices such as cell phones and laptops for work-related purposes.
What are the pros of BYOD?
The pros of BYOD include reduced costs, higher employee satisfaction, lower use of resources, and greater employee productivity and efficiency.
What are the cons of BYOD?
The cons of BYOD mainly include cybersecurity issues, because employers have less control over antivirus software, company data is at a higher risk of being stolen, and software updates can be more challenging to implement. Also, some employees may prefer to keep work and personal devices separate.
About the Author
Post by: Zac Amos
Company: ReHack
Website: www.rehack.com
Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Originally published at All Business Technology