Managing devices effectively means having a clear system to control and secure all the laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktops your team uses for work. For a small business, this isn't just about keeping hardware running; it's about protecting sensitive data, maintaining productivity, and meeting compliance requirements like UK GDPR or Cyber Essentials.
Why device management matters for UK SMEs
Without proper device management, your business risks downtime caused by hardware failures or security breaches. For example, if a staff member's laptop is lost or stolen and it isn't protected with encryption or remote wipe capabilities, confidential customer data could be exposed. This damages trust and may lead to ICO investigations or fines under the Data Protection Act 2018. Moreover, unmanaged devices can become a gateway for cyberattacks, putting your entire network at risk.
A typical scenario
Consider a 50-person marketing agency in Manchester. They use a mix of company-owned and employee-owned devices. Without centralised device management, IT struggles to keep software updated and enforce security settings. When a staff member's device is compromised by ransomware, the agency faces several days of downtime, lost client work, and reputational damage. After this, they engage a managed IT provider who implements Mobile Device Management (MDM) and endpoint security tools. Now, they can remotely update devices, enforce strong passwords and encryption, and quickly isolate compromised hardware to minimise disruption.
Practical checklist for setting up device management
- Identify all devices: Create an inventory of all hardware used for work, including personal devices if they access company data.
- Define security policies: Decide on minimum standards such as mandatory encryption, strong passwords, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Choose a device management tool: Look for solutions that support remote updates, patch management, and remote wipe capabilities.
- Ask your IT provider: How do they manage device security? Can they provide monitoring and alerts for unusual activity?
- Review service agreements: Check that SLAs include timely patching, incident response, and regular reporting.
- Implement access controls: Limit device access to only necessary systems and data, and regularly review permissions.
- Test backups and recovery: Ensure critical data on devices is backed up securely and can be restored quickly.
- Train staff: Make sure your team understands device security policies and the importance of reporting lost or stolen devices immediately.
Next steps
Setting up device management is a key step in protecting your business and maintaining smooth operations. Speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands the needs of UK SMEs. They can help you assess your current situation, recommend appropriate tools, and implement policies that balance security with usability. Taking these steps will help reduce risk, support compliance, and keep your team productive.