A surge in the popularity of smartphones and tablets has led to an increasing trend of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) in large UK businesses. In an age of hot-desking and flexible working, it seems that BYOD could be the answer to creating a more e­fficient, and a more satisfied, workforce. But with more freedom comes greater responsibility. The security risks to businesses of BYOD cannot be ignored. We surveyed 100 UK businesses with minimum of 500 employees (50 with 500-3000 employees and 50 with 3000+ employees), to find out just how prevalent BYOD has actually become – and to see what the driving force behind the new trend is. We then surveyed 200 US businesses (100 with 500-3000 employees and 100 with 3000+ employees) to provide a geographical comparison.

1. AT A GLANCE
BYOD 2014: UK v US
Survey conducted in February/March 2014 by Vanson Bourne.
Respondents were IT decision makers in 100 UK businesses with a minimum
of 500 employees (50 with 500-3000 employees and 50 with 3000+
employees) and 200 US businesses with a minimum of 500 employees
(100 with 500-3000 employees and 100 with 3000+ employees).
WHAT’S THE
SAME
WHAT’S
DIFFERENT
BYOD is becoming the
norm
Huge increase in popularity in both
the UK and US.
84% 92%
UK
US
VS
PUSH not PULL
Employees are seen to be driving
this growth on both sides of the
Atlantic. 59% 58%
Top BYOD Usage
Reading work emails is the top use
cited for BYOD devices in both
countries. 84% 75%
US ahead in recognising
the potential of BYOD
Nearly twice as many of the US
respondents believe companies with
a BYOD policy enjoy a competitive
advantage over organisations
that have not.
44% 75%
US management has a
more positive attitude to
BYOD
US respondents are more likely to
describe senior management as
strong proponents of BYOD.
16% 25%
Despite this, US
organisations lag behind
in adopting progressive
BYOD policies
Significantly more UK respondent
organisations have a formal policy
permitting BYOD.
52% 39%
Prohibition is higher
in the US
US respondent organisations are
more likely to have an active policy
that prohibits BYOD.
US more risk averse?
US respondents are more likely to
believe employees are keeping
corporate data on personal
devices.
Nearly twice as many US
respondents believe employees
are using applications designed
or sanctioned by the
organisation.
More than twice as many
US respondents report that
their organisation has an
approved list of supported
applications for BYOD.
19% 30%
UK
US
VS
?
?