Vigilant Blog

News, trends and analysis in employment law, HR, safety & workers' comp

Aug 07, 2012

Protecting company data at termination

Q&A 

Q: How can we ensure that company data has been removed from the personal iPhone of an employee who is being terminated? Can we erase his phone without his permission?

A: The “bring your own device” model allows employees to connect personal smartphones and other devices to corporate networks. Some employers require that employees agree to allow access to their device if they leave employment, and give permission to erase the device if they don’t. Absent an agreement, the best option is to request access to your employee’s iPhone so that you can delete company data without deleting his personal data. You might find it worthwhile to offer him an incentive. This is just one of many technological and employee relations issues you’ll want to consider in developing an effective strategy that best fits your workplace. Contact Vigilant to learn more.

This website presents general information in nontechnical language. This information is not legal advice. Before applying this information to a specific management decision, consult legal counsel.

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