Feds Enjoy More Relaxed BYOD Policies

It appears federal agencies are a bit more lenient than private sector companies when it comes to allowing employees to access computer networks using their personal smartphones or other technology tools, a concept known as BYOD, or “bring your own device.”

Late last month, I wrote about a recent survey of 72 federal IT professionals by Network World and SolarWinds, where 60 percent of respondents said there are no restrictions on the types of personal mobile devices employees can use to access their agencies’ networks.

A survey released Tuesday by Robert Half Technology reports a different picture in the private sector, however. Only 33 percent of private sector chief information officers said employees are able to access corporate networks using their personal smartphones, tablets, computers or other devices.

The federal government is still considered a leader in telework adoption, and that could be one of the reasons behind agencies being more flexible about BYOD.

John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology, said many companies might become more lenient about BYOD going forward, particularly as more workers move to telework and remote work arrangements. “Professionals increasingly want to stay connected while using their device of choice for both work and personal communication,” he said. “Companies recognize this and are actively looking for secure solutions.”