For startups and small businesses, keeping costs low is always a priority. When you’re building your dream company, every dollar saved can feel like a win. Enter BYOD – “Bring Your Own Device.”
It’s easy to see the appeal. Employees use their personal laptops, phones, or tablets for work, saving your business the upfront expense of buying new hardware. Sounds great, right?
But while BYOD might seem like a cost-saving solution, it could also be a security risk lurking in disguise.
For startups and SMEs that don’t have the robust IT systems of larger companies, these risks could threaten not just your data but your entire business.
So, let’s dive into the pros, the cons, and what you can do to secure your startup or SME if BYOD is on your radar.
Why BYOD seems like a smart idea at first
The idea of employees using their personal devices for work has some obvious benefits:
- Cost savings: You don’t need to buy or maintain company-owned devices.
- Ease of use: Employees already know how to use their personal devices, so there’s less training required.
- Increased flexibility: Workers can log in from anywhere on devices they’re comfortable with.
- Employee satisfaction: Many people prefer using their own devices for convenience and personalization.
For startups and SMEs, it’s easy to see why BYOD is attractive. It seems like a win-win: save money while keeping employees happy and productive.
But like most things, BYOD isn’t without its downsides. And unfortunately, the risks can be significant – especially if you don’t take proactive steps to manage them.
The hidden security risks of BYOD
When employees bring their personal devices to work, they’re also bringing potential vulnerabilities. Here are the most common risks:
1. Data loss
Personal devices are often less secure than company-owned devices. Employees may store sensitive company information on their personal laptops or phones, which can be easily compromised if the device is lost, stolen, or hacked.
In fact, a 2023 report revealed that 71% of employees have sensitive work data on their personal devices. Imagine the consequences if your company’s data fell into the wrong hands.
2. Malware
Unlike company-provisioned devices, personal devices may not have up-to-date antivirus software or patches. This makes them more vulnerable to malware.
For example, Microsoft reported that unmanaged devices were the source of 80–90% of ransomware attacks in the past year.
3. Compliance violations
If your business deals with sensitive data (e.g., healthcare, finance, or legal), you’re likely subject to strict compliance requirements like GDPR or HIPAA. BYOD can lead to unintentional violations if sensitive data is accessed on unsecured devices or networks.
4. Lack of control
You can’t control what employees do on their personal devices. They might download unauthorized apps, connect to public Wi-Fi, or fail to install necessary updates. This lack of oversight can leave your business open to attacks.
5. Data theft
When an employee leaves the company, they may still have access to company files on their personal devices. Without proper safeguards, this could result in data leaks or misuse.
6. Legal issues
If you need to remotely wipe a device to protect company data, you may inadvertently delete personal files like photos or messages. This could lead to disputes or even legal action.
7. Lost or stolen devices
A physical device falling into the wrong hands could provide unauthorized access to your company’s data, especially if the device lacks encryption or strong passwords.
8. Shadow IT
Employees might use unapproved software or services on their devices to get work done faster. While well-intentioned, this creates “shadow IT” that bypasses your IT department, increasing risks of data breaches.
9. Insufficient employee training
Not all employees are aware of cybersecurity best practices. The same 2023 study found that 43% of employees were targeted by phishing attacks on their personal devices. Without proper training, their mistakes could compromise your company’s data.
10. Unsuitable devices
Not all personal devices are built for work. An outdated laptop might lack the performance or security features necessary for business-critical tasks.
Company-provisioned devices vs. BYOD: What’s the better choice?
So, what’s the alternative to BYOD? Providing employees with IT-provisioned devices. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you weigh your options:
| Aspect | BYOD | IT-Provisioned Devices |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost for the business. | Higher upfront cost but better control. |
| Security | Hard to enforce; relies on employee behavior. | Easier to enforce with centralized controls. |
| Compliance | High risk of non-compliance. | Easier to maintain compliance with proper setups. |
| Control | Limited visibility and control. | Full control over devices and software. |
| Productivity | Can vary depending on the device. | Optimized for business use. |
| Management | Difficult to monitor or manage. | Streamlined with IT support. |
While BYOD might save money upfront, company-provisioned devices offer greater security, compliance, and control in the long run.
💡 Read more: Finding the Perfect Laptop: 14 Choices for Remote Professionals
How to mitigate BYOD risks
If BYOD is still the path you want to take, here are ways to protect your business and secure your data:
1. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM)
An MDM software is crucial for BYOD setups, as it enforces security policies, wipes company data remotely, and monitors devices for compliance.
Good MDM software like JumpCloud also separates work and personal data through work profiles or separate accounts, keeping corporate apps and files isolated from personal ones.
This means IT can manage only the work-related data, ensuring personal files stay private. If a device is lost or an employee leaves, only the work data can be wiped, leaving personal data untouched.
2. Implement endpoint security
Install antivirus software and intrusion detection systems to monitor for and neutralize threats on all devices.
3. Draft a BYOD policy
Create a clear company-wide BYOD policy that outlines:
- Approved devices and operating systems.
- Security requirements like encryption and antivirus software.
- Guidelines for accessing company data.
- Procedures for employees leaving the company.
4. Secure company applications
Use VPNs and cloud-based applications with strong encryption to limit access to sensitive data.
5. Train your employees
Educate your team on cybersecurity best practices, such as spotting phishing scams and using secure networks.
6. Separate work and personal data
Encourage employees to use separate containers or accounts for work-related tasks. This makes it easier to secure company data without impacting personal files.
7. Enforce access controls
Restrict access to sensitive data based on roles. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
Real-world example of BYOD gone wrong: Bithumb Cryptocurrency Exchange Breach (2017)
In 2017, Bithumb, one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, suffered a major data breach due to a BYOD-related vulnerability. A hacker gained access to the personal computer of a Bithumb employee, exposing sensitive personal information of approximately 30,000 customers. The breach resulted in targeted phishing attacks against the affected individuals, causing reputational damage and financial losses for the company. This incident highlights how unsecured personal devices can become an entry point for cybercriminals, underscoring the importance of robust BYOD policies and security measures.
How Esevel can help with securing BYOD
Managing technology, especially in a BYOD environment, can be challenging – but Esevel makes it easier.
With MDM solutions like JumpCloud, we help you secure and manage personal and company devices effectively while addressing the unique challenges of BYOD.
Here’s how Esevel supports your BYOD strategy:
- Centralized Device Management: Gain full visibility and control over all devices, including BYOD. Monitor activity, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance – all from one platform.
- Remote Wiping: Protect sensitive data by remotely wiping corporate accounts or work profiles from lost or stolen BYOD devices while preserving personal data.
- Compliance Support: Ensure BYOD devices meet regulations like GDPR or HIPAA by implementing proper security measures.
- Access Control: Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based permissions to secure access. For BYOD, segregate work and personal accounts to keep corporate data isolated.
If you’re considering moving away from BYOD, Esevel can also help you transition to company-owned devices. We handle procurement, device lifecycle management, and even device refresh programs to ensure your team always has up-to-date, secure equipment.
Whether you stick with BYOD or switch to company devices, Esevel ensures your IT is secure, compliant, and easy to manage.
Final thoughts
BYOD may seem like a quick win for startups and SMEs looking to save money, but it comes with serious risks. From data loss to compliance issues, the potential downsides could cost far more than you save. That’s why it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully – and if you do choose BYOD, take steps to mitigate the risks.
On the other hand, company-provisioned devices may require higher upfront costs, but they offer better security, control, and compliance – key factors for safeguarding your business.
No matter which path you choose, tools like Esevel’s MDM solutions can help secure your business, giving you peace of mind to focus on growth. After all, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern – it’s a critical part of protecting your business and its future.
