Policy 911 - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Section: Information Technology
Policy Number: 911
Responsible Office: Information Technology
Effective Date: 5/1/19
Revised: 5/1/19; 6/11/20; 5/23/22

Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to set out the controls when using mobile devices. It mitigates the following risks:

Loss or theft of mobile devices, including the data on them
Compromise of classified information through observation by the public
Introduction of viruses and malware to the network
Damage to reputation

It is important that the controls set out in this policy are continuously observed in the use and transport of mobile devices.

Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to the University community. Adherence to this policy helps safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of St. John’s information assets, and protects the interest of St. John’s, its customers, personnel, and business partners.

Policy

Mobile computing is an increasing part of everyday life. As devices become smaller and more powerful, the number and complexity of tasks that can be achieved away from the office grow. As the capabilities increase, so, too, do the risks. Security controls that have evolved to protect the static desktop environment are easily bypassed when using a mobile device outside of the confines of a building.

Mobile devices include items such as

Laptops
Notebooks
Tablet devices
Smartphones
Smartwatches

Unless specifically authorized, only mobile devices provided by St. John’s may be used to hold or process classified information. Otherwise, the 911 – Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Standards will apply to those who wish to make use of their own devices.

If an employee is required to make use of mobile equipment, the employee is provided with an appropriate device(s) that is configured to comply with St. John’s policies. Support provided by the Office of Information Technology may, at times, require access to the employee’s device for problem resolution and maintenance purposes. St. John’s has implemented security measures to protect its critical information during mobile device usage.

Definitions

The following are definitions relevant to the policy:

Computing Resources: All St. John’s information processing resources, including all St. John’s owned, licensed, or managed computing services, hardware, software, and use of St. John’s network via a physical or wireless connection, regardless of the ownership of the computer or device connected to the network
Institutional Data: All data owned or licensed by St. John’s
University community: Includes faculty, administrators, staff, student workers, graduate/technical assistants, alumni, interns, guests, or agents of the administration, external individuals, and organizations accessing St. John’s network services, and other authorized users

Compliance

St. John’s reserves the right to audit networks and systems on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with this policy. Instances of noncompliance must be presented to, reviewed, and approved by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Director of Information Security, or the equivalent officer(s).

All breaches of information security, actual or suspected, must be reported to and investigated by the CIO and the Director of Information Security.

Those who violate security policies, standards, or security procedures are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including loss of computer access and appropriate disciplinary actions as determined by St. John’s.