Deciding whether to provide your staff with company-owned devices or allow them to use their own (BYO) is an important choice that affects your business's security, productivity, and IT support needs. Company-owned devices are purchased and managed by your business, giving you full control over hardware, software, and security settings. BYO devices, on the other hand, are personally owned by employees and used for work purposes, which can introduce challenges in managing consistency and security.
Why device ownership matters for Australian SMBs
Using company-owned devices helps reduce risks such as data breaches, malware infections, and compliance issues, because IT teams can enforce security policies like encryption, antivirus, and regular updates. It also simplifies support, as the devices are standardised and known to the IT provider. BYO devices increase flexibility and may reduce upfront costs, but they can lead to inconsistent security postures and complicate support efforts. This can result in downtime, loss of sensitive customer data, or regulatory compliance gaps, especially with privacy laws like the Australian Privacy Act.
A typical scenario: Managing devices in a 50-person business
Consider a mid-sized Australian accounting firm with 50 staff. They initially allowed BYO laptops to save costs. However, inconsistent software versions and unsecured home networks led to frequent IT issues and a ransomware incident that disrupted client work for days. After consulting a managed IT provider, they switched to company-owned devices with standard security configurations and remote management tools. The provider also implemented a clear BYO policy for limited use of personal devices, balancing flexibility and security. This approach reduced downtime and improved client trust.
Checklist: What to consider when choosing device ownership
- Security controls: Can your IT provider enforce encryption, antivirus, and patch management on all devices?
- Support scope: Will your IT partner support a variety of device types and operating systems, or only company-owned equipment?
- Compliance requirements: Are your devices configured to meet privacy and industry regulations relevant to your business?
- Cost analysis: What are the upfront and ongoing costs of purchasing and maintaining company-owned devices versus supporting BYO?
- Employee productivity: How will device choice impact staff efficiency and access to necessary applications?
- Policy clarity: Do you have clear BYO policies covering acceptable use, security responsibilities, and incident reporting?
- Backup and data protection: Are business data and files stored centrally and backed up regularly, regardless of device ownership?
Next steps
Choosing between company-owned and BYO devices is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your business size, industry, compliance needs, and IT resources. Engage a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands Australian small and mid-sized business environments. They can assess your current setup, identify risks, and help you develop a device strategy that balances security, cost, and productivity without unnecessary complexity.