BYOD, or Bring Your Own Device, is a policy where employees or external partners (such as freelancers) use their own devices, such as laptops, smartphones or tablets, to access company networks, systems and data.
Why companies are deploying BYOD:
- Cost savings: Organizations do not need to purchase additional hardware.
- Flexibility and convenience: Employees often work more efficiently with their own familiar equipment.
- Remote working: BYOD enables access to company resources anywhere, anytime.
Challenges in BYOD:
While it offers convenience, BYOD comes with some challenges:
- Security: Proprietary devices are often less secure than corporate devices, posing risks for data breaches and cyber attacks.
- Monitoring and control: It is difficult for IT departments to ensure security and updates to personal devices without invading privacy.
- Agreements: Clear agreements must be made about what is and is not allowed and how the device will be secured.
Security in BYOD:
To ensure security, organizations can implement some basic measures:
- Endpoint security: Installing security software to protect access to corporate data.
- Data encryption: ensuring that sensitive data is stored and transmitted encrypted.
- Access control: Restricting access to certain systems and monitoring user activity.
- Policy and agreements: A BYOD policy that includes agreements on security, updates and what to do if a device is lost or stolen.
BYOD policy for self-employed workers
- Consent and equipment
- The self-employed person may use his/her own devices to perform assignments.
- Devices should be up-to-date and equipped with current security software.
- Data security and protection
- The self-employed must secure access to company data with strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Devices should not allow unauthorized access; if lost or stolen, report it immediately.
- Use and responsibility
- The freelancer may use the device only for business purposes within the agreed upon assignment.
- It is not permitted to store company data on unsecured cloud services or personal storage media.
- Privacy and monitoring
- The company has the right to monitor business data and software, but will respect the self-employed person’s private data.
- Both parties comply with applicable privacy laws, such as the AVG.
- Loss, theft or damage
- The self-employed person is responsible for maintenance, insurance and any costs in case of loss or damage to the equipment.
- Termination of cooperation
- After the assignment ends, the freelancer must delete all company data and applications from private devices.
Conclusion
BYOD offers a lot of flexibility, but requires clear agreements and technical measures to protect company data while maintaining attention to personal privacy and compliance. At ALTA-ICT we can support this by offering modern workplace packages that combine security with respect for privacy, so that external partners such as freelancers can work effectively and safely. Have you had to deal with this before and do you want to spar with us,please feel free to contact us.
