In the business world, “bring your own device” (BYOD) is now a standard, in terms of employee communications. Some may think this also applies to computers and allow employees to bring their personal laptop to their job. This is a practice that should never be done in a business environment. The following article lays out why allowing employees to use a personal laptop is an extremely bad idea.

Scenario: Employee using a Personal Laptop

Ron starts work at a new company. As part of his onboarding process, he is given the usual introductions, tour around the office, and a tub full of company swag. Ron is also issued a company laptop (Windows based) to work on.

Ron expresses that he is not “a PC person” but a Mac user. Ron prefers using his own MacBook Pro because he is more comfortable with it and is has everything he needs to do his job. Management agrees to this. The IT Department proceeds to connect his personal laptop to the company servers, and allow him to use remote desktop through VPN to access company information.

Several years go by, and Ron accepts a promotion at another company. He leaves on good terms and the IT Department disables his VPN access, along with all other company accounts. What this company did not realize was that Ron had been secretly offloading company documents to his personal cloud storage, as well as the desktop of his personal laptop. Why shouldn’t he? It’s his personal laptop right? This information is later used by Ron at his new job to lure clients away from his former employer.

That brings us to “How To Handle IT When An Employee Leaves”.

Analysis

The above scenario may seem far-fetched, and that it could “never happen here”. However, this situation happens all the time, and the results are always the same. Information is literally taken, money is lost, and the damage goes on much longer than one might expect. This is why a personal laptop or desktop computer should never be allowed to be used for company business.

Set the Tone

When you issue a laptop, or desktop, to an employee, that machine is company property, as is any information on the device. It sets a very clear boundary that what an employee does on that machine is not “theirs”. Second, with company issued computers, you are able to monitor and keep accurate logs on what goes on with your information inside your organization. By having full control over that device, you can recognize potential threats, and respond to them appropriately which, in the long run, will save you money.

Does Your IT Need A Review?

After reading this article, you may have some more questions on how you can better protect your company’s information, and for that matter, what type of business grade computers are right for your organization. Absolute Technology Solutions is here to guide you through the process, and come up with a customized solution for you. Contact us today, so we can get started.