BYOD practices offer security concerns that bother CIOs

By the end of October, there will be a number of new mobile devices and platforms on the market. The iPhone 5 is already available, the much rumored iPad Mini may finally see the light of day, new Android devices backed from Google and the Windows 8 operating system and corresponding smartphones and tablets are on the way – just to give a quick round-up. All of these gadgets are sure to help add to the growing trend of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) practices that offices are implementing.

Despite the increased popularity, BYOD policies are causing IT decision-makers to have migraines because of the security risks. CIO.com interviewed Blackberry Chief Information Officer Robin Bienfait about the company and its BYOD strategies. Despite the company being a player in the mobile device realm, according to Bienfait, the business does not allow them to be used by their employees in the workplace.

She went on to say that the reason for this is the security concerns – which is the thing that, as a CIO, keeps her up at night. Most of the issues stem from distrust between IT departments and employees using technology.

Galen Gruman, a contributor for InfoWorld, examined this problem in a recent article.

“Users: Yes, IT really does think you’re stupid and/or naive, and therefore not to be trusted. IT: Yes, users really do think you’re clueless about their needs and so have decided to act on their own,” wrote Gruman.

While IT professionals are handling BYOD practices more effectively, employees are becoming more familiar with the functionality of their technology and are no longer afraid to download applications they think can make their job easier – with or without permission. Without proper partnership and understanding, these problems can spiral out of control.

Companies in Ohio that are looking to add to their unified communication systems would be wise to partner with an IT consulting firm to ensure the right combination of tools is provided.

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