6 Steps to Create an Effective BYOD Plan (Infographic) Increase employees' productivity and protect your company's data with these tips for building a safe 'bring your own device' plan.

By Nina Zipkin

With workplaces more mobile and interconnected than ever, many employees have the ability to work from home or on the go. While at first glance, having a bring your own device (BYOD) policy in your office can help with flexibility and cutting costs, it could also lead to security issues and major IT headaches if businesses aren't too careful.

So what can managers and IT departments do to ensure the safety of company data and productivity of their employees? Well, actually a lot.

Related: A Lack of Communication on Cyber Security Will Cost Your Business Big

Computing and security company Bitglass recommends investing in strategy that lets employees choose whatever device they like, keeping in mind that while software and hardware are replaceable, company data is not. It's important to remember that the plan shouldn't create more fires for IT to put out or more steps that ultimately keep employees from being productive. Also, be sure that the plan allows for more hires and new devices so IT isn't overloaded as the company expands.

For more on connectivity, growth and keeping private and company data separate, check out Bitglass' six-step infographic on creating a BYOD plan that is helpful to everyone.

Click to Enlarge+
6 Steps to Create an Effective BYOD Plan (Infographic)

Related: Be Sure to Look Around the Office When Searching for Gaps in Your Data Security

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

This Couple Started a Side Hustle to Improve a 'Terribly Made' Bathroom Essential. Now the Business Earns More Than $3 Million a Year.

Michael Fine and Lisa Schulner-Fine launched lifestyle brand Quiet Town in 2016 and have been growing it ever since.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

Your Clients Are Using AI to Replace You — Do These 3 Things Before They Do

Harness these three steps to audit, evolve and future-proof your offer before AI replaces you.

Business News

What's Open on Easter Sunday? Costco and Target Will Close, But One Major Retailer Will Be Open. Here's What To Know.

The stock market was closed for Good Friday on April 18. Here's what's closed for Easter Sunday, April 20.

Leadership

Here's What It Takes to Evolve From Hands-On Founder to Strategic CEO

Making the leap from founder to CEO requires more than just growth — it demands a shift in mindset.

Marketing

The One Mistake Is Putting Your Brand Reputation at Risk — and Most Startups Still Make It

Many businesses pour resources into branding and marketing but overlook PR — yet it's PR that builds the trust, credibility, and reputation that turn attention into lasting revenue in a crowded market.