Bring your own device

Use of private mobile devices in the corporate environment

“Bring your own device” (BYOD) refers to the use of private end devices in companies and educational institutions. The approach promises savings on device purchases. It also raises questions about data privacy and data security.

The trend toward using private devices is also called consumerization. What initially sounds like a win-win situation turns out to be less advantageous in many cases, however, because the supposed savings in equipment procurement are offset by high IT costs.

The devices must be securely integrated into the company’s networks, making mobile security a Sisyphean task when users have to deal with a colorful potpourri of different operating systems, model generations and manufacturers.

Data security and BYOD

In the corporate context, this can cause far-reaching problems, including IT security, licensing of corporate software and data protection. In addition, there are liability issues in the event of loss of the device and the need for clarification of tax assessments. Setting up clean solutions here with BYOD is very demanding.

For example, if employees receive a subsidy from the company for the purchase of a BYOD smartphone or tablet, this benefit is subject to payroll tax and social security contributions.

In the blog article Bring your own device – a model with a future? we go into detail about the security risks surrounding BYOD.

“Do I have to do it this way?”

Another aspect should also be mentioned: Contrary to what many management teams assume, BYOD is by no means always appreciated by the workforce. On the contrary, many would actually like the company to provide them with a snazzy smartphone as a benefit. This is completely neglected by the BYOD approach.