--- title: Bring Your Own Device Policies for Small Businesses - Omnis Technologies description: Bring your own device policy, or BYOD, refers to an agreement between employers and employees who use their personal laptops, smartphones, or tablets for work purposes. These policies have up-sides and down-sides. BYOD Advantages Cost savings Increased productivity Disadvantages Security risks IT management Cost Savings With BYOD, the company doesn’t have to purchase devices for […] image: https://www.omnistech.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Omnis-Thumbnail-Ryan.png --- [![Omnis-logo](https://www.omnistech.com/hubfs/Omnis-logo.png)](https://www.omnistech.com) - [MANAGED IT](https://www.omnistech.com/managed-it-support) - [CYBERSECURITY](https://www.omnistech.com/cybersecurity-consulting) - RESOURCES - [BLOG](https://www.omnistech.com/blog) - [SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY PLAN](https://www.omnistech.com/small-business-cybersecurity-plan) - [VIDEOS](https://www.omnistech.com/videos) - COMPANY - [ABOUT US](https://www.omnistech.com/about-us) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.omnistech.com/testimonials) - [CAREERS](https://www.omnistech.com/careers) [I Need IT Support](https://www.omnistech.com/contact-us) [Submit a Ticket](http://portal.omnistech.com/WCC2/Home/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fWCC2%2f) # Bring Your Own Device Policies for Small Businesses Bring your own device policy, or BYOD, refers to an agreement between employers and employees who use their personal laptops, smartphones, or tablets for work purposes. These policies have up-sides and down-sides. BYOD Advantages Cost savings Increased productivity Disadvantages Security risks IT management Cost Savings With BYOD, the company doesn’t have to purchase devices for \[…\] [protocol80](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/author/protocol80) Jun 30, 2020 --- Bring your own device policy, or BYOD, refers to an agreement between employers and employees who use their personal laptops, smartphones, or tablets for work purposes. These policies have up-sides and down-sides. ### BYOD Advantages - Cost savings - Increased productivity ### Disadvantages - Security risks - IT management ### Cost Savings With BYOD, the company doesn’t have to purchase devices for their employees. In some industries, employee’s personal computers outperform the machines the company has. it’s likely employees upgrade their personal devices more frequently than their work needs require. For example, if they purchase a new laptop for next-generation gaming, the upgraded hardware will speed up work tasks as well. Apps will open faster and multiple apps can run without slowing down the computer. Their devices will be faster and more reliable than ones provided by the company. ### Productivity BYOD also increases productivity by eliminating the learning curve that comes with using additional devices. Learning new operating systems, Windows to Mac for example, requires a great deal of training. But even using the same operating system, inconsistent file storage structure and settings can cost productivity. BYOD allows an employee to master their device and tailor their workflows. ## BYOD Disadvantages However, BYOD increases security risks and raises complex compliance concerns.  Your employees could unknowingly carry infected devices into work, spreading malware to every computer on your network. This is why you should require any computer used for your company to have antivirus software. Security threats will be detected before they can disrupt your business.  Your employee’s devices could be lost or stolen while they’re used outside of the office. For this reason, you have to require BYOD devices to be protected by strong passwords. As a last resort, implement a failsafe to wipe the machine completely. The other disadvantage for businesses is complicated IT management. When employees are using different devices, it’s difficult for IT administrators to maintain network security. Standard devices issued by the company can be maintained easier because tasks can be pushed in bulk. ## BYOD Minimum Requirements If your employee is using a personal device for work, it should meet these requirements. 1. Antivirus software like Malwarebytes 2. Updated Windows Operating System (Windows 8.1 or newer, Windows 7, Vista, and XP are no longer secure) 3. 10 character password to access If you would like a consultation to discuss a BYOD policy, contact us at [info@omnistech.com](mailto:info@omnistech.com) or [click here to schedule](https://www.omnistech.com/request-a-free-it-consultation/). [Data Security](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/tag/data-security) [Business advice](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/tag/business-advice) ## Similar posts Data Security ### [IT Policies for Remote Workers that Your Business Should Implement](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/it-policies-your-business-should-implement-for-remote-workers) Home PCs expose your entire business’s network to risk. At home, your employees don’t have the robust security measures your company machines have.... protocol80 Apr 7, 2020 Business advice ### [Backup Options for Businesses: IT Disaster Recovery Plans](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/it-disaster-recovery-plan-with-cloud-backups) Backing up your computer files is an essential operation for your business. It becomes crucial if you’re subject to a ransomware attack, your device... protocol80 Feb 11, 2020 Business advice ### [What is a VoIP Phone System?](https://www.omnistech.com/blog/what-is-a-voip-phone-system) Remove the need for dedicated phone devices by adding phone call software to your computer. This video demo shows how it works. protocol80 Jul 21, 2020 [![OMNIS Technologies](https://www.omnistech.com/hubfs/Asset%201WHITE.png)](https://www.omnistech.com) OMNIS Technologies PO Box 334 32 Lafayette Ave. Lewis Run, PA 16738 ### Services - [Managed IT](https://www.omnistech.com/managed-it-support) - [Cybersecurity](https://www.omnistech.com/cybersecurity-consulting) ### Resources - [Blog](https://www.omnistech.com/blog) - [Small Business Cybersecurity Plan](https://www.omnistech.com/small-business-cybersecurity-plan) - [Videos](https://www.omnistech.com/videos) ### Company - [About Us](https://www.omnistech.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.omnistech.com/careers) - [Testimonials](https://www.omnistech.com/testimonials) - [Contact Us](https://www.omnistech.com/contact-us) © 2022 protocol 80, Inc All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://www.omnistech.com/privacy-policy)