Bring your own device

What is BYOD?

'Bring your own device' (BYOD) refers to arrangements where a firm allows designated users to connect to its corporate information technology (IT) network using their own communications devices for specific purposes. This will most commonly apply to use by staff of their personal devices for work, but may extend to others, such as clients and business partners, as a way to exchange information. BYOD arrangements may cover a range of device types including laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The concept of BYOD is not new. For years employees have been using personal devices to do work in some way or another (often not sanctioned by their employer), such as sending work documents to their personal email accounts. However, employers increasingly accept this reality and are realising there may be benefits to the business in allowing use of personal devices.

BYOD policy

Firms that decide to roll out BYOD should have a defined policy governing its use, to which users sign up. A BYOD policy should clearly:

1. •

   set out the overarching policy objective: protection of firm information—any rights or obligations under the policy should