BYOD creates data security issues for firms

When businesses allow BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), the resulting security problems can far outweigh the convenience.

Although firms can save money by not having to provide workers with storage devices, such as a USB stick, it can lead to serious compliance risks.

Datadefender.co.uk director Graeme Batsman believes that BYOD "opens up a whole can of worms" because it can become unclear where or how the data is controlled.

"Sensitive data is no longer within four walls or within a certain country", he warned.

This is particularly true when workers leave the company but retain the data as it is stored on their own, personal device.

In this way, important data may be transported accidentally.

Mr Batsman added: "Compliance is a massive problem, since the company no longer controls or has audit records."

There is also the chance that staff could unwittingly transfer malware from their personal computers at home to their work computers if they use the same device for private and corporate use.

However, there are steps that businesses can take to protect themselves.

Part data encryption of USB devices would mean that personal data would be left alone but business data could be encrypted for protection.

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