Personal device security

For many businesses, personal devices are now part of everyday operations. Employees often use their own laptops, smartphones, or tablets to access emails, manage customer data, and collaborate with colleagues.

This flexibility can improve productivity, reduce costs for small businesses, and support modern ways of working. However, it can also create new ways for cyber criminals to get in. Understanding how to protect devices used for work is essential for keeping your business data safe.

Device security is about protecting any device used for work from cyber threats. This could be a company-issued or personal device, and anything from mobile phones to tablets and laptops. Keeping these secure means the devices are safe to use, kept up to date, and protected from any unauthorised access. 
 
For businesses that rely on personal devices, security also means separating work and personal data, setting clear expectations for use, and maintaining control over business information. 
 
Without the right safeguards in place, a single compromised device can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, or damage your reputation.

Personal devices used for work face a range of cyber risks. These can include:

• Malware and ransomware can infect devices through malicious downloads or compromised websites, potentially stealing data or locking systems until a payment is made. 
• Phishing attacks remain one of the most common entry points for attackers. Emails or messages may appear legitimate but are designed to trick users into revealing passwords or clicking harmful links. 
• Weak passwords or the absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA)  can give attackers easy access to business systems. 
• Outdated software is also a risk, as unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited. 
• Lost or stolen devices present a direct threat, especially if they are not protected by encryption or remote wipe capabilities. 
• Data leakage can occur when work files are stored in personal apps or cloud services, or when employees use unapproved tools without oversight.

A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy helps you manage how personal devices are used for work. It doesn’t need to be complex, but it should set clear expectations.
 
Start by defining which devices are allowed and what they can be used for. This could include access to email, shared drives, or customer systems. Next, set minimum security requirements. Devices used for work should have automatic updates enabled, strong passwords or biometrics, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and antivirus protection. Screen locks and timeouts should also be in place.
 
It’s important to separate work and personal data wherever possible. Using company-approved apps or work profiles can help ensure business information stays within secure environments. Your policy should also explain what happens if a device is lost, stolen, or replaced. Employees should know how to report incidents quickly, and the business should be able to remove access or wipe work data if needed.
 
Transparency is key. Make it clear that security measures are designed to protect business data, not monitor personal activity. This helps build trust and encourages compliance.
 
Finally, include clear offboarding processes. When someone leaves the business, their access should be removed and any business data on their device securely deleted.

There are several practical steps you can take to improve device security.

• Keep devices and applications up to date by enabling automatic updates. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection even if passwords are compromised.
• Install trusted antivirus or endpoint protection software to detect and respond to threats.
• Enable device encryption so that data remains secure if a device is lost or stolen.
• Set screen locks and timeouts to prevent unauthorised access.
• Encourage the use of secure Wi-Fi, including strong router passwords and updated firmware.
• Separate business and personal data using approved tools or work profiles.
• Enable remote wipe capabilities so that business data can be removed if a device is lost or an employee leaves.
• Where possible, use secure connections such as VPNs when accessing business systems remotely.

Securing your devices doesn't have to be complicated. You may want to consider a mobile device management service which can support with maintaining security.

Using personal devices for business is now the norm for many organisations. With the right approach, it can be both flexible and secure. By understanding the risks, setting clear policies, and taking practical steps to protect devices, you can reduce the likelihood of cyber incidents.

Security doesn’t have to be complicated. Consistent, well-managed basics can go a long way in protecting your business, your people, and your customers. Make sure you have a simple, strong mobile-security policy and ensure your team are aware of it. Undergo regular security awareness training to make sure your business is in a great position.