5 Professional & Personal Devices

You should know the following terms:

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
• CYOD (Choose Your Own Device)

There are many advantages to inviting Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). CYOD allows the organization to provide a variety of approved devices that the end user can choose from to fit their role. While users have some choice, the devices are typically managed and controlled by the organization. In contrast, BYOD refers to users bringing their personal devices and using them, but still managed through an MDM solution. 

There are some challenges in managing personal devices within a MDM framework. Personal devices may have different security configurations that can pose risks to the organization's data and network. Personal devices also vary in terms of operating systems, models, and configurations, making it challenging to ensure seamless compatibility with the organization’s MDM framework. More sophisticated UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) solutions, when available, can provide advantages to managing BYOD settings.

The role of MDM in both CYOD and BYOD is to find a balance while supporting a variety of devices.  Balancing the need to manage and secure work-related data on personal devices while respecting the user's privacy rights can be a challenge. Supporting a wide range of personal devices with different configurations and software versions increases the complexity of privacy, troubleshooting, and resolving issues. 

Below is a list of suggested solutions to explore in a BYOD environment:

• Establish clear policies regarding data management and privacy on personal devices within the BYOD framework. Clearly communicate these policies to employees and obtain their informed consent. 
• Implement solutions that allow for clear segregation of work-related data from personal data on personal devices. 
• Educate employees about the importance of data security and privacy in the BYOD environment. Provide training on best practices for protecting personal information, such as using strong passwords, enabling device encryption, and avoiding risky behaviors. 
• Be transparent with employees about the extent and nature of monitoring of personal devices through the MDM. Obtain explicit consent from users and clearly outline what aspects will be monitored and how the data will be used. 
• Conduct regular audits and compliance reviews to ensure that data management practices align with privacy regulations and organizational policies. 
• Create and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base or documentation that covers common troubleshooting scenarios for various device types and operating systems. 
• Utilize remote support tools that allow IT technicians to access and troubleshoot personal devices remotely. 
• Identify and recommend a set of core applications or software that are compatible across multiple device types and operating systems. 
• Empower users with self-service options, such as self-help guides, online forums, or knowledge bases. 
• Establish relationships with device vendors and manufacturers to access their technical support resources. 
• Invest in ongoing training and professional development for IT technicians to keep them updated with the latest device configurations, operating systems, and troubleshooting techniques. 
• Clearly differentiate and prioritize support for work-related issues over personal device issues. Focus on addressing work-related problems and guide users to seek assistance from device manufacturers or service providers for personal device-related issues.

Here are additional resources you may find useful:

• BYOD Security Best Practices: A comprehensive guide on best practices for securing personal devices in a BYOD environment  
• The Ultimate Guide to BYOD Security: Definition and More - https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/ultimate-guide-byod-security-overcoming-challenges-creating-effective-policies-and-mitigating 
• A Guide to Successfully Establishing BYOD and CYOD Policies - https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/benefits-and-challenges-of-device-policies 
• Walled Lake Consolidated Schools K-12 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy - https://wlcsd.org/academics/instructional-technology/byod/byod-policy/#:~:text=BRING%20YOUR%20OWN%20DEVICE%20RULES&text=Devices%20must%20be%20placed%20in,approval%20by%20a%20staff%20member.

Complete the following task or self-assessment:

Resolving a BYOD-related Issue. Troubleshoot and resolve a BYOD-related issue reported by a user. Having a partner with a BYOD device is helpful for completing this task. Follow the steps below:

1. Obtain a detailed description of the issue from a user, including the type of device and the nature of the problem.

2. Communicate the organization's policies and guidelines regarding BYOD to the user, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and the support available.

3. If possible, guide the user through self-service options, such as providing them with step-by-step instructions or directing them to relevant resources.

4. If the issue persists, initiate remote assistance using a suitable tool to access the user's device and troubleshoot the problem in real-time.

5. Utilize your troubleshooting skills and knowledge to identify the cause of the issue and apply appropriate solutions.

6. Clearly document the troubleshooting steps taken and the resolution for future reference.

7. Follow up with the user to ensure their issue has been resolved and address any further concerns or questions.