The ICO has highlighted that a survey before Christmas showed that 60% of the UK population now own a smart phone and 20% own a tablet. This is no doubt even higher as smart phones and tablets topped many people’s Christmas gift lists, and an increasing number want to use their personal devices at work.
Known as ‘bring your own device’ this trend has many benefits including increased efficiency, flexibility and employee morale. But it also carries a number of risks organisations must consider when allowing employees’ devices to be used to process work-related personal information. As the line between personal and working lives becomes increasingly blurred the ICO state it is critical employers have a clear policy about personal devices being used at work. To assist, the ICO have set out key recommendations for policy content under five headings: 1. Ensure devices are secure (protected against unauthorised or unlawful access); 2. Ensure data transfers are secure (between devices and the organisation’s systems); 3. Retain control (if the device is lost or stolen); 4. Have an ‘end of contract’ policy (for when staff leave); and 5. Have a clear Acceptable Use Policy (both the employer and the employee understand their responsibilities).
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