When you are preparing for an audit or simply reviewing your IT security, it's natural to rely on the answers your hardware suppliers provide about their security measures. However, trusting these answers without verification can be risky. Suppliers may offer assurances about device security, but without clear evidence or independent checks, you could be exposed to vulnerabilities that impact your business operations and compliance status.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Hardware security is a critical part of your overall IT defence. If a device such as a server, laptop, or network switch has weak security—or if the supplier's claims are inaccurate—you risk data breaches, ransomware attacks, or system downtime. For UK businesses, this can affect compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, especially if personal or customer data is involved. A security incident can disrupt staff productivity, damage your reputation, and lead to costly regulatory scrutiny or fines.
A typical scenario
Imagine a UK SME with around 50 employees relying on a supplier to provide laptops and network equipment. The supplier states their devices come with built-in encryption and regular firmware updates. However, during an internal audit, the IT manager finds some devices have outdated firmware and encryption isn't enabled by default. This gap creates a vulnerability that could allow unauthorised access if a device is lost or stolen. A good managed IT provider would have verified these claims by checking device configurations, ensuring updates are applied, and implementing additional controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and endpoint monitoring.
What to ask your hardware supplier or IT provider
- Can you provide documented evidence of device security features, such as encryption standards, firmware update schedules, and vulnerability management?
- Are devices configured securely out of the box, or will additional setup be required on our side?
- Do you support integration with our existing security tools, such as endpoint protection and centralised logging?
- How do you handle firmware and security patch updates? Is this automated or manual?
- Can you provide references or case studies demonstrating how you support audit readiness and compliance?
Simple checks you can perform internally
- Review device settings to confirm encryption and password policies are enabled.
- Check that all devices have the latest firmware and security patches installed.
- Maintain an inventory of hardware assets and verify that only authorised devices are connected to your network.
- Ensure access controls are in place, limiting who can configure or access hardware management interfaces.
- Keep records of supplier communications and security documentation for audit purposes.
In summary, while supplier security answers are a helpful starting point, they should not be accepted at face value. Verification and ongoing management are essential to reduce risks and support compliance. Working with a trusted managed IT provider can help you assess hardware security claims, implement best practices, and prepare for audits with confidence.
If you're unsure about the security of your hardware or want to improve your audit readiness, consider consulting an experienced IT advisor who understands UK SME needs and compliance requirements. They can help you ask the right questions, perform practical checks, and build a security approach that fits your business.