BYOD Implementation Strategies

      Implementation of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology needs to be a well thought out process.  It should not be haphazardly jumped into without careful consideration of the network implications and security concerns inherent to this technology.  The sudden addition of potentially thousands of new devices on a WIFI computer network has the potential to overwork an ill-prepared computer network so badly that all users would suffer.  These new network additions can also present many potential security vulnerabilities that did not exist before.  These were the most consistent themes with most popular BYOD literature.
Network World Online (2012) offers ten tips for secure and effective implementation of BYOD technology in modern settings.  This publication was intended for a more technically savvy audience.  The variety of user platforms involved with BYOD technology requires a more robust user security policy than any other form of digital environment.  Network World Online (2012) explains that static passwords are not sufficient to protect remote access to secure sensitive data and systems.  These passwords need to be augmented by alternate verification methods such as text messages or email.  These notification methods are independent of the user network and will ensure user identification validity.  In an environment of thousands of users, attempts at network intrusion are a virtual certainty.  The access points to the network should therefore be tightly controlled.  Utilization of Single-Socket Layer (SSL) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) will ensure that only users on an approved access list are granted permissions to use the network.  The use of End Node Control will ensure that any user that has graduated or left the digital environment is removed from the access list.  This should be a simple process to ensure that network administrators are able to keep up with the transitional nature of graduating students (Network World Online, 2012).  The use of soft tokens which preclude the need for physical security devices should be employed when possible due to the cumbersome nature of most physical measures.  These include the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) accounts which can be remotely managed.  Lastly, appointing a dedicated leader of the network infrastructure will result in a positive benefit because this will ensure that the dedication needed to protect the facility’s network will be in place without sacrificing resources in another function of the organization.  One of the shortcomings of this literature is that is does not address the responsibilities of digital citizenship required for users of BYOD networks.  Network World Online (2012) provides a comprehensive and effective plan for secure BYOD implementation but only from only an administrative standpoint.
Beach (2014) provides a more school-focused approach to BYOD implementation.  She presents an assortment of anecdotal experiences of a Canadian school district’s challenges of integrating BYOD technology into their learning environments.  Beach (2014) begins her analysis by explaining the need for good digital citizenship from all users.  This would come in the form of adequate training and safeguards.  The cost savings that are produced as a result of BYOD implementation are presented as a positive motivator for many school systems contemplating this technology.  She goes on to illustrate that BYOD would allow many schools to be able to dismantle any computer labs they may be maintaining.  These cost savings would not be immediately realized however because of the need to revamp the school’s network in order to accommodate the influx of thousands of new devices.  Teacher support systems will have to be in place to provide the training needed to fully exploit this technology (Beach, 2014).  This would be offset by the lack of student training needed because students would be using a device with which they are already familiar.  A variety of curriculum delivery adjustments would be needed to fully exploit this technology and teachers would require adequate training in this area by a dedicated professional in the field.
Certain rules need to be in place for young learners using BYOD technology.  Beach (2014) explains that these devices should only be allowed in the classroom for curriculum purposes.  Using BYOD in common areas such as cafeterias and schoolyards should be disallowed.  BYOD use for students is so ubiquitous that clear guidelines need to be in place to ensure appropriate use of school resources.  Beach (2014) differs from Network World Online (2012) in that many more user restrictions have to be present in BYOD use by young learners.  Naturally, this philosophy is not emphasized as thoroughly by Network World Online (2012).  They both illustrate that network security is the most important facet of BYOD implementation.

Infographic courtesy of www.onlinecolleges.net