Keeping work on the work phone!?

For some, a work phone is an opportunity to keep your work and personal life separate, so private use on a work phone is not a concern. You can turn your work phone off outside work hours and know that unwanted messages can’t creep back in without your consent. However, for others, a company-issued phone is considered a perk of the job. It can be vital for agents who work in the field, or those who need to maintain contact with colleagues professionally even when they’re clocked out. It can also be an opportunity to save money, upgrade your tech, as well as improve work performance, by using it as a personal device too.

How do employers mitigate security risks?

Employers can mitigate the risks of allowing private use on work phones in several ways: Issue a mobile policy with each device that outlines acceptable device use and what tracking software will be running in the background. We recommend reading this policy before you use your company device. Implement robust authentication for device access, including long passwords, PINs, or two-factor or biometric authentication. Restricted access to public/open Wi-Fi networks to minimize the risk of hacking.

Can I use my work phone for private purposes?

In short, the specifics of your agreement need to be discussed with your employer. The benefits may outweigh the risks if you are looking to make use of a new device and improve your productivity. The key, however, is being aware of the security risks to both you and your employer, and taking sensible steps to mitigate them, using the advice above.

Resources–Blog

Is private use allowed on a work phone?

Employer brandingMobile work

March 10, 20228 min read