As a result of rapidly changing technology, many employees are shedding corporate-issued cell phones and computers in favor of using their own smartphones and tablets for both work and personal purposes.
This new phenomenon commonly referred to as bring your own device (BYOD) does have its benefits, yet it also creates a number of legal challenges. For employees, it may result in greater efficiency, fewer devices to manage and the ability to use the most up-to-date technology. For employers, it presents opportunity to reap substantial benefits from lower costs in software, hardware and IT support. But for in-house counsel, it raises a host of legal and practical issues, and an ounce of prevention is certainly worth far more than a pound of cure.