Perceived as a more efficient and cost-effective way of getting work done, Bring Your Own Device’s (BYOD) use accelerated during the hybrid work patterns of the COVID era. However, there are some indications that the tide is turning. Here, we explore the trends around BYOD and the reality of the risks – and whether this is a work style to keep investing in.
BYOD is Risky Business
Concerns over the continued use of BYOD devices are primarily centered around security. If you have 100 employees working from their own devices, that’s 100 potential entry points to sensitive data. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, companies must have robust security measures in place to feel confident in their BYOD policies.
BYOD was initially seen as a cost-saving measure for companies who no longer had to purchase and maintain devices for their employees. However, the hidden costs of IT support and security for a broad range of devices have now emerged.
Mixed Messages
The data on BYOD use presents a diverse picture. We spoke to compliant communications platform provider Global Relay, who noted that, anecdotally, discussions at roundtables and conversations with clients indicated enterprises are reconsidering their BYOD policies.
Yet Global Relay’s recent Industry Insights Survey found that 53% of firms are using BYOD instead of issuing corporate devices – up from 36% in 2023. The report noted a shift in strategy, however – in 2023, 13% of firms said they ‘don’t have a clear plan’ on BYOD policies, which fell to 5% in 2024. Overall, the data suggests that, while BYOD use may be rising, enterprises have a better structure in place to support it.
“I am a little surprised that BYOD usage is still topping a shift to corporate device policy. What I have noted in many of my roundtables is that many firms are separating their corporate populations into high-risk and not so high – it is the high-risk monitored population that are all being moved to corporate devices and BYOD is good enough for the rest.”
– Alex Viall, Chief Strategy Officer, Global Relay
The survey also revealed a surprisingly varied approach globally, indicating that 54.5% of firms based in EMEA and 50% of global firms favor corporate devices. The BYOD approach was found to be most popular in North America – with 63.4% noting that they use a BYOD model and monitor business-related communication channels. Yet most recordkeeping fines have been US based and focused on people using personal devices to communicate.
The most high-profile cases have centered around financial firms in the US – which does not surprise Chip Jones, Executive Vice President of Compliance at Global Relay, who commented: “Corporate devices versus BYOD really boils down to Three C’s – Cost, Compliance, and Convenience.” Recent enforcement action surrounding the non-compliant use of personal messaging apps appears to have swayed momentum for BYOD – 45% of firms have said they are reconsidering their policies, and 17% said they are moving away from BYOD due to regulatory action.
So, does BYOD pose risks, and are there ways to mitigate them?
Increasing Compliance and Awareness
The data indicates that BYOD is here to stay. As Chip Jones explains in the report, it is simply cheaper for companies to allow employees to work from their own devices – and firms are now realizing that BYOD and corporate devices can be equally compliant if the technology is managed correctly. Advances in compliance technology, paired with clearer expectations from financial regulators, means that the BYOD landscape is now better understood as a compliant communication tool for businesses. Moreover, there is a clearer understanding among staff of how to use mobile devices in a safe, secure way – whether they are personal or business-owned.
Providers like Global Relay offer solutions that enable colleagues and clients to securely communicate on mobile, desktop, voice, video, and instant messaging. The firm offers compliant communication on BYOD through a collaboration app that gives employees the freedom to use BYOD and retain separate business and personal relationships, all while meeting recordkeeping requirements.
BYOD is evolving rather than disappearing. Its implementation must continue to evolve to address concerns over compliance, security, and management. Balancing flexibility and control in a compliant environment that is supported by the right solutions is the key to BYOD success.
