When employees use mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones to work from home, encrypting those devices is an important step to protect your business data. Encryption means converting the information stored on a device into a code, which can only be accessed with the correct password or security key. This helps prevent unauthorised access if a device is lost, stolen, or hacked.
Why encryption matters for UK SMEs
Many small and medium-sized businesses in the UK handle sensitive information, including customer details, financial records, and employee data. If a mobile device is compromised, unencrypted data could be exposed, leading to potential breaches of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Beyond legal compliance, a data breach can cause costly downtime, damage your reputation, and reduce customer trust.
For example, imagine a 50-employee company where several staff members regularly work from home using laptops. One employee's laptop is stolen during a commute. If the device isn't encrypted, the thief could access confidential client information or internal systems. This could trigger a data breach notification to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), disrupt business operations, and require costly incident management.
How a managed IT provider can help
A good IT partner will ensure that all mobile devices used by your home-based staff have full disk encryption enabled, such as BitLocker for Windows or FileVault for Mac. They will also help you implement complementary security controls like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and remote wipe capabilities to erase data if a device is lost or stolen. Regular staff training and clear policies on device use and reporting incidents are also key parts of a robust approach.
Practical checklist for UK SMEs
- Ask your IT provider: Are all mobile devices encrypted by default? What encryption standards are used?
- Check device management: Can your provider remotely wipe or lock lost/stolen devices?
- Review access controls: Are strong passwords and MFA enforced on devices and corporate accounts?
- Audit policies: Do you have clear guidelines for home working device security and incident reporting?
- Test backups: Are critical data regularly backed up and recoverable in case of device loss?
- Consider compliance: Does your approach align with Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 recommendations?
Taking these steps reduces the risk of data loss and helps demonstrate due diligence if audited by the ICO or other regulators. Encryption is a foundational element, but it works best as part of a wider security strategy.
If you're unsure about your current setup or need help implementing encryption and related controls, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can assess your risks, recommend practical solutions, and support ongoing compliance without unnecessary complexity.