When you bring temporary or contract staff into your business, ensuring their devices are secure is crucial to protect your data, maintain productivity, and comply with UK regulations. These workers often need quick access to company systems but may not be familiar with your security policies. Without clear controls, this can increase the risk of data breaches, accidental loss, or unauthorised access.
Why device security for temporary staff matters
Temporary and contract workers typically use company laptops, tablets, or even their own devices to do their job. If these devices are not properly managed, they can become a weak point for cyberattacks or data leaks. For example, a lost or stolen device without encryption or strong passwords can expose sensitive customer information, potentially leading to breaches of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This can damage customer trust and result in costly investigations or fines from the ICO.
Moreover, unmanaged devices can introduce malware or ransomware into your network, causing downtime and disrupting business operations. Ensuring devices used by temporary staff meet your security standards helps maintain smooth workflows and protects your reputation.
A typical scenario for a UK SME
Consider a UK-based marketing agency with around 50 employees that regularly hires contract designers for short-term projects. Previously, contract staff used personal laptops to access shared files via unsecured Wi-Fi. One device was infected with malware, which spread to the company network, leading to several days of downtime and lost client work. After this incident, the agency worked with a managed IT provider to implement strict device management policies for all temporary staff.
Now, contract workers receive company-issued laptops configured with encryption, antivirus, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Access is limited to only the necessary systems, and all devices are tracked and remotely wiped if lost. This approach reduced security risks and ensured compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus requirements, giving clients confidence in the agency's data protection.
Practical steps to secure devices for temporary or contract staff
- Ask your IT provider: How do they configure and manage devices for temporary users? Do they enforce encryption, antivirus, and MFA?
- Access control: Ensure temporary staff only get access to the systems and data they need, using role-based permissions.
- Device management: Use mobile device management (MDM) tools to monitor, update, and remotely wipe devices if lost or stolen.
- Clear policies: Have documented security policies covering device use, data handling, and incident reporting for temporary staff.
- Regular audits: Review access logs and device inventories regularly to spot unauthorised devices or unusual activity.
- Training: Provide basic cybersecurity awareness tailored to temporary workers, emphasising phishing risks and secure password use.
- Supplier checks: When contracting third-party agencies, include security requirements in supplier questionnaires or contracts, referencing standards like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 where relevant.
Next steps
Managing device security for temporary and contract staff is a practical way to reduce cyber risk and support compliance with UK data protection standards. If you're unsure how to implement these controls or want to review your current approach, speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can help you develop tailored device security policies and deploy the right tools to protect your business without disrupting daily operations.