BYOT Doesn't Give you Access To My Device

Dear Patch,

I'm a twenty-year veteran of technical things with credentials in IT and information security, and I want to share my concerns about a letter I received from Russell Middle School and the Barrow County Board of Education.  The letter introduces a school sponsored 'Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)' program. 

My experience tells me people work better with technologies they already know, and I agree BYOT/BYOD programs are great.  BYOT/BYOD is one of the latest technology boons for commerce, and means lower IT infrastructure costs and faster adoption of mobile computing.  Honestly, I'm encouraged to see our school system growing to embrace the approach.

However, please consider a scenario where you interview for a position with a perspective employer who leverages BYOT/BYOD.  How would you respond if the interviewer instructs you to leave your personal devices (smart phones, iPads, laptops, etc.) with their technical team so that they can install some 'management tools' to help them ensure you comply with corporate policies?  In this scenario, what if the perspective employer asks you to sign a rights waiver giving them access to your electronic devices at any time and for any reason (presumably for the best of intentions)?

I'd politely decline (and have a number of times), because I believe no job is worth giving away my civil liberties.

All of the BYOT/BYOD installed management tools I know about today give the installer complete access to your digital life (or to your child's digital life).  Also, just like companies are continually working to reduce cost through BYOD/BYOT, they are also working to reduce the cost of managing these devices through cheaper, sometimes offshore, labor.  By the way, we still call these types 'management tools' malware when they are used maliciously.

Do you really want to give an entry-level IT worker, or someone from another country complete access to your browser sessions, email, chats, etc?  Please consider this carefully...

The letter I receved from the school system outlines codes of conduct and other student expectations, but on the last page, on the back of the page, are two red-flag bullet points quoted here:

"Personal devices, while used on campus, may be managed by mobile device management software to ensure compliance with this agreement and to facilitate instruction."

"The school district has the right to collect and examine any device at any time for the purpose of enforcing the terms of this agreement, investigating student discipline issues, or for any other school-related purpose."

Dear school system - with these terms, my tech-saavy kids and I respectfully declide.

There are productive ways to manage BYOT/BYOD without violating civil liberties.

If you're interested in a few pointers, I can be reached at (770) 778-4704.

Blessings,

Jonathan D. Pollard