BYOPC stands for Bring Your Own PC. It is a strategy that allows employees to use their personal computers to access corporate applications, services, and data. This approach is particularly useful for remote and hybrid work environments, as well as for temporary or seasonal workers. It makes sense to let home-based employees use their own PCs for work – shipping out a business desktop can be costly and there are issues over the physical security of the devices. People are more likely to guard their own property.
Employees can work from their own devices, making it easier to transition between office and remote work. Companies can save on the cost of providing and maintaining corporate devices and employees can use devices they are already familiar with, which can enhance productivity.
This strategy requires a rethink of security policies in order to be viable. Personal devices may not comply with corporate security policies, increasing the risk of data breaches. Also, IT departments will have less control and visibility over personal devices, making it harder to monitor and secure them.
Here is our list of the best BYOPC security solutions for remote work:
- Venn EDITOR’S CHOICE This package creates a secure perimeter on personal devices, isolating company data to ensure security without compromising employee privacy. This makes it a suitable alternative for organizations looking to implement BYOPC. The endpoint app is available for Windows and macOS.
- LiveXchange For companies with large distributed teams and freelance workers, offering secure, encrypted communication and file sharing along with identity and access management.
- Thinscale Solutions for secure remote access and endpoint management with secure remote access, endpoint security, and compliance management.
- Parallels RAS This is a cost-effective solution for delivering virtual desktops and applications. It provides secure access from any device.
- Cubeless Designed to create a secure, browser-like experience, This tool allows IT administrators to manage applications and data access securely.
- Accops Provides a zero-trust network access (ZTNA) approach, securing access to web apps, SaaS, client-server apps, legacy applications, virtual apps, and desktops.
- Amazon WorkSpaces A managed secure Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution. It allows you to provision Windows, Mac, or Linux computers remotely.
When implementing BYOPC, companies need to define and enforce strict security policies and use tools like VPNs and endpoint security software. It is also important to provide training to employees on how to securely use their personal devices for work. The use of remote monitoring tools to keep an eye on data access and usage forms a significant part of securing business data in BYOPC environments. You need a range of systems to make BYOPC effective and secure.
The Best BYOPC Security Solutions for Remote Work
Virtualization systems are now extending to remote operations and VPN providers are expanding their product lines by implementing Zero Trust Access operations, so there is an increasing choice of implementation strategies that can be applied to BYOPC. We decided to narrow down the field.
Our methodology for selecting a BYOPC security system
We reviewed the market for BYOPC security systems and tested tools based on the following criteria:
- Security features such as encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and endpoint protection.
- Compliance with any of the major standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
- A fuss-free tool that users can operate without technical skills
- Device management capabilities, including remote wipe, device tracking, and policy enforcement.
- The solution should have scalable plans that can be easily expanded to cover extra devices.
- A trial period or demo to enable an assessment before paying
- A fair price that offers a good deal considering the functions on offer
With these selection criteria in mind, we looked for a range of security solutions to suit different delivery strategies.
1. Venn
Venn is a security solution designed to allow employees to use their personal computers for work while maintaining a secure and isolated environment for company data. It offers a “secure enclave” within the employee’s device, which ensures that all corporate activities are separated from personal use, minimizing risks like data leakage or malware.
Key Features:
- Creates a secure enclave: This keeps business applications and data away from the operating system
- Encryption: Protects file storage and data transfers
- Accessible for non-technical staff: Simple, user-friendly interface
- Administrator functions: Remote management and control by IT teams
- A secure tunnel: Protected access to corporate networks and cloud resources across the internet
Why do we recommend it?
Venn provides an effective balance between convenience and security for remote workforces. Employees can use their personal computers while maintaining full control and security over corporate data. Its simplicity in installation and use combined with strong security makes Venn a great option for businesses embracing BYOPC.
I found that once subscribed, users receive an installer for their personal computer. The software quickly sets up the secure enclave, guiding users through a simple configuration process. IT administrators can remotely apply and manage security policies to ensure company data remains secure.
Who is it recommended for?
Venn is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, remote teams, or freelancers needing a secure, flexible solution for working on personal devices. It is especially valuable for companies seeking to reduce hardware costs without compromising on security. Endpoint apps are available for Windows and macOS.
Pros:
- Hardware cost saving: Reduces the need for company-owned hardware
- Users can install the tool: Easy setup and minimal user disruption
- Preset security measures: Strong data protection policies
- Compliance with industry security standards: HIPAA, PCI DSS, NAIC, and FINRA
- A cloud-based subscription service: But no price list
Cons:
- Requires technical skills to administer: Some organizations might prefer fully managed devices
Venn offers a demo rather than a free trial, which seems to be standard for the market niche of BYOPC security tools.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Venn is our top pick for a BYOPC security solution for remote work because it provides a secure, flexible workspace. It allows employees to use personal devices while ensuring company data remains protected. Venn addresses key security concerns by creating a secure enclave on the employee’s personal computer. This enclave isolates business activities from personal use, ensuring that sensitive corporate data never mixes with personal files or applications. One of Venn’s strengths is its ease of use, which minimizes disruption to the employee’s workflow. It supports seamless access to corporate networks and cloud resources without needing extensive VPN configurations or additional hardware. Venn employs encryption and advanced security policies to protect data within the enclave, mitigating risks of data leakage, malware, or unauthorized access. For businesses, Venn reduces the costs and complexities associated with providing company-owned devices while maintaining control over sensitive information. It complies with key security standards and offers IT teams the ability to enforce policies remotely.
OS: Cloud-based with client apps for Windows and macOS
2. LiveXchange Secure WorkSpace
LiveXchange Secure WorkSpace is a BYOPC solution designed to provide remote workers with a secure, isolated workspace on personal devices. It allows companies to protect sensitive data while enabling employees to work from anywhere on their own computers. By creating a secure, encrypted environment, LiveXchange ensures that corporate information stays separate from personal use.
Key Features:
- Isolated and encrypted workspace: No data crossover between personal and business environments
- Centralized IT management: Implements remote policy enforcement
- Secure access: For corporate systems and data
- Seamless setup: A user-friendly interface
- Compliance features: For PCI DSS
Why do we recommend it?
LiveXchange Secure Workspace offers an efficient and secure solution for businesses transitioning to remote work. It provides a controlled environment without sacrificing flexibility, allowing employees to work remotely on personal devices while keeping corporate data safe. Its simplicity and strong security measures make it a strong candidate for companies looking to minimize hardware costs.
I noted that the end user downloads an application that creates an encrypted environment where all business operations are contained. IT administrators can remotely manage and enforce policies, ensuring compliance and security through a Web interface.
Who is it recommended for?
This solution is perfect for organizations of all sizes that require high security while enabling remote work, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and customer service. It’s ideal for businesses that want to ensure data protection without providing company-owned devices.
Pros:
- Protection against unauthorized access: High-level security
- Data isolation: Keeps corporate systems away from the device’s OS
- Money saver: Cost-effective by utilizing personal devices
- Available for multiple operating systems: Protects devices running Windows, macOS, or Linux
Cons:
- Limited standards’ compliance: Not tuned for HIPAA or GDPR
LiveXchange Secure Workspace can be examined by accessing a demo, allowing companies to evaluate its features and security measures before making a decision.
3. ThinScale
ThinScale offers a powerful solution for securing BYOPC setups, addressing the growing need for remote work security. It provides IT administrators with a suite of tools to manage and monitor user devices, enforce security policies, and protect sensitive information. This makes it a crucial asset for organizations that rely on remote work and need to maintain stringent security standards.
Key Features:
- Device management: Centralized control over BYOPC (Bring Your Own PC) devices.
- Security policies: Enforce strict security policies and user access controls.
- Remote management: Manage and monitor devices remotely to ensure compliance.
Why do we recommend it?
ThinScale stands out for its comprehensive approach to securing BYOPC environments. Its features, including centralized management and strict security policies, ensure that remote work is both flexible and secure. I learned that the remote management capabilities offer IT teams effective oversight and control, making it a top choice for organizations.
Who is it recommended for?
ThinScale is ideal for medium to large enterprises that need to manage a diverse range of remote or BYOPC devices. It is particularly beneficial for organizations with strict security requirements and those that must ensure compliance across distributed teams.
Pros:
- User Authentication: Secure login methods and multi-factor authentication
- Data Encryption: Protect sensitive data through encryption
- Centralized device and policy management: Remote monitoring and control
Cons:
- Only available for Windows: Neither the server nor the client app is available for Linux
ThinScale is an on-premises system. The central administrator console installs on Windows Server. Each remote endpoint needs a client installed on it; this is only available for Windows. You can access a demo to assess ThinScale.
4. Parallels RAS and Parallels Secure Workspace
Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) is an on-premises service that enables Mac users to access a VM hosted on the office server. That VM can be running Windows, macOS, or Linux. Not all remote users will have Macs, so some companies might prefer Parallels Secure Workspace, which gives users access through any standard browser.
Key Features:
- Centralized management: Streamline management of virtual desktops and applications from a single console
- Secure access: Enforce security policies and user authentication to protect remote sessions
- Remote desktop access: Choose a browser-based RDP option for user devices running Windows
Why do we recommend it?
Parallels RAS provides an on-premises system that lets administrators manage corporate systems that remote users can access from Macs. This is a Virtual Machine system. I discovered that Parallels Secure Workspace provides an alternative strategy because users access the Desktop through a browser, so it doesn’t matter which operating systems they have.
Who is it recommended for?
This system is best suited for medium to large enterprises that require secure, scalable remote desktop and application access solutions. Parallels RAS has a limited market because all end users will need to be running Macs in their homes. Parallel Secure Workspaces has wider appeal.
Pros:
- Low overhead operations: High-performance remote desktop and application access
- Multi-device support: Compatible with various devices, including BYOPC setups.
- Scalability: Easily scale to accommodate growing numbers of users and devices.
Cons:
- Not a cloud-hosted system: This is an on-premises package
Parallels RAS is a suite of units with an administrator console that runs on a VM and endpoint apps. The client application is only available for macOS. Parallels Secure Workspace gives users access to their virtual desktops through Web browsers. You can assess the package with a 14-day free trial for Parallels RAS or Parallels Secure Workspace.
5. Cubeless
Cubeless provides an environment for securing applications, data, and communications on BYOPC devices while optimizing remote team collaboration and it is designed for companies with distributed workforces, Employees access corporate resources securely from their personal devices through Web browsers. This tool delivers centralized management, advanced security policies, and seamless collaboration for remote-first workplaces.
Key Features:
- Centralized management: Provides IT admins with full control over remote devices and access policies.
- Secure access: Implements strict authentication, encryption, and compliance checks for secure remote access.
- Collaboration tools: Integrates with communication platforms to enhance team collaboration in remote environments.
Why do we recommend it?
Cubeless provides a blend of security and collaboration features, making it ideal for remote-first organizations. Its integration with various devices and centralized management tools ensures a secure, scalable environment for remote work. I observed that the built-in collaboration tools also enhance productivity.
Who is it recommended for?
Cubeless is suitable for businesses of all sizes that prioritize remote work and need a secure solution for managing personal devices. It is especially beneficial for industries with strict compliance requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and legal sectors, where remote work demands strong security and collaboration tools.
Pros:
- Browser-based access: Each user’s workspace is hosted on a central server
- Cloud-based server: The administrator’s space is hosted on the cloud
- Multi-device support: Compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
- Compliance monitoring: Helps enforce compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA, ensuring regulatory adherence.
Cons:
- Relies on cloud hosting: You don’t have an option to run the server on your own server
For more information on how Cubeless works, you can access a demo. Once you are sure that the system is right for your business, you can access the package for free. Cubeless is very new and it is in Beta release – for which they are not charging anything at all.
6. Accops
Accops allows IT administrators to enforce strict security policies, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. It includes access management tools like multi-factor authentication and encryption. The Accops cloud server mediates access between an endpoint and a target resource.
Key Features:
- Secure remote access: Provides secure, encrypted access to corporate applications and data from personal devices.
- Centralized control: IT admins can manage and monitor user devices, set security policies, and ensure compliance.
- Identity and access management: Includes multi-factor authentication and role-based access control.
Why do we recommend it?
Accops combines advanced security features with a centralized management system, making it ideal for organizations looking to secure remote access without compromising flexibility. I noticed that it ensures the safety of sensitive data while allowing employees to work from personal devices, helping businesses maintain productivity in remote settings.
Who is it recommended for?
Accops is recommended for medium to large enterprises that prioritize secure remote access and need to manage personal devices across a distributed workforce. It’s particularly beneficial for industries with strict data protection requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and government sectors, where compliance and security are non-negotiable.
Pros:
- Data protection: Encryption and secure access tunnels safeguard sensitive information.
- Compliance monitoring: Ensure adherence to data protection regulations like GDPR. GLBA, FFIEC, and HIPAA.
- Kiosk access option: Let devices that are fully secured access restricted resources to read-only.
Cons:
- No price list: You have to request a quote.
Accops offers a range of products for remote access. The service that is the most relevant to BYOPC is probably its Digital Workspace system. This is a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which is a remote VM access system. Access requires a client on the endpoint. This is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. There is no free trial for Accops, but you can access a demo to learn more about the system.
7. Amazon WorkSpaces
Amazon WorkSpaces is a managed Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution that enables secure remote access to corporate applications and desktops from any BYOPC device. By offering virtual desktops in the cloud, The user can log in from any device and switch from one to the other and maintain continuity. Each access device requires a client installed on it.
Key Features:
- Secure cloud desktops: Provides users with virtual desktops, isolating corporate data from personal devices.
- Scalability: Easily scale to add or remove users, with desktops provisioned quickly on demand.
- Flexible device support: Compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Why do we recommend it?
Amazon WorkSpaces excels in providing a secure, flexible virtual desktop solution for BYOPC environments. Its ability to isolate corporate data, combined with centralized management and high scalability, ensures that remote workforces can stay productive without compromising security. I found that the integration with AWS also offers reliability and advanced security features.
Who is it recommended for?
Amazon WorkSpaces is recommended for organizations of all sizes with distributed teams. It is particularly suited for enterprises that already base much of their systems on AWS services. This is a metered service, so the company pays for the system at the end of the month; the administrator dashboard includes a cost tracker.
Pros:
- Data security: Corporate data is stored securely in AWS, not on local devices, with encryption at rest and in transit.
- Centralized management: Manage user access, security policies, and resources through a centralized AWS management console.
- Virtual desktops: The user doesn’t work on the local computer but gets a remote view on a VM where all processing and data storage occurs.
Cons:
- Bills can build up quickly: Remember to track your account through the month
The user has to install a client in order to access the service. This is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. There is also a Web access option. You can get onto the system with the Free Tier that gives you a trial.
