Personal devices vs company managed workstations

Choosing the right devices for your business operations is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. While using company issued workstations is not a requirement for SOC 2 compliance—you can achieve compliance with a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy—we strongly recommend using dedicated company devices.

Risks Associated with BYOD Policies

Having a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy introduces several security challenges:

• Increased Attack Surface: Personal devices often have a multitude of applications installed—sometimes in the 100s—that are not necessary for business operations. Many of these are consumer-focused apps and may not adhere to the same security standards as business applications.
• Inconsistent Security Measures: Personal devices may lack essential security configurations, consistent updates, and patches, making them susceptible to attacks.
• Data Control Issues: Managing and protecting sensitive company data becomes more difficult when it resides on personal devices outside of your direct control.
• Device Loss or Theft: Personal devices are more likely to be used in various locations, increasing the risk of loss or theft.
• Mixed Use Concerns: When work and personal activities occur on the same device, there’s an increased risk of accidental data exposure or security breaches.
• Complex Offboarding: Removing company data and access from personal devices during employee departures can be challenging.

Advantages of Company-Issued Devices

Using company-owned devices offers several benefits:

• Full Control Over Device Configuration: You have complete authority over how company devices are configured, used, and stored, allowing you to enforce security policies effectively.
• Less Employee Pushback on Policies: Since the devices are company-owned, employees are more likely to accept security measures as standard protocol.
• Standardized Security: Uniform security measures can be implemented across all devices, making management and updates more efficient.
• Simplified Asset Management: Better tracking and management of hardware and software assets.
• Clearer Boundaries: Clear separation between work and personal activities reduces risk of data breaches.
• Streamlined Support: IT support becomes more efficient with standardized hardware and software configurations.

BYOD Done Right: How to Make It Work If You Believe It’s the Best Fit

If you believe a BYOD policy better suits your organization, here are some best practices to ensure you’re being thoughtful about security:

• Make Requirements Clear: Clearly define security requirements, acceptable use, and employee responsibilities when using personal devices for work.
• Utilize a MDM Solution: Employ a MDM tool to ensure basic security requirements such as encryption and antivirus are enforced.
• Train on Best Practices: Educate employees on best practices for securing their devices and recognizing potential threats.

Remember: Whether you choose company-owned devices or BYOD, prioritizing security is essential for safeguarding your organization’s assets.