BYOD Cybersecurity Concerns: European Enterprises Lack Formal Policies, Face Risky Practices

A recent report from mobile device management company Jamf reveals that nearly half (49%) of European enterprises lack a formal cybersecurity policy for ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) initiatives.

The increase in remote work spurred by the pandemic, coupled with budget constraints, has led many companies to permit employees to access corporate accounts from their personal devices. However, this practice poses a significant risk since it grants access to potentially sensitive data without adequate protective measures, primarily due to a lack of control over how data is accessed.

The study also highlights that over half (53%) of organizations are implementing cost-cutting measures in their IT and security departments. While budgets are gradually recovering, many companies must make challenging decisions regarding their limited financial resources, often relegating support for personally-owned hardware as a lower priority.

Michael Covington, Jamf’s VP of portfolio strategy, noted that allowing employees to use their own devices for work can offer cost savings. He emphasized that the true advantage lies in providing a seamless end-user experience that eliminates the need for multiple devices and streamlines productivity workflows.

Looking ahead, 41% of respondents expressed concerns about the growing vulnerabilities affecting Apple’s operating systems. Although macOS accounts for a smaller share of desktop operating systems, it is a popular choice for business smartphones, particularly iPhones, which play a significant role in the market.

Jamf emphasized the need for clearly documented BYOD policies to be established, shared, and adhered to as the way people work continues to evolve. Additionally, the company suggested that organizations should prioritize a more diverse approach to device management and cybersecurity, as nearly two-thirds (67%) currently rely on fewer than five vendors for these services.