When your business relies on devices supplied by external companies—whether laptops, routers, or specialised hardware—it's important to understand the security risks these devices might introduce. Asking your suppliers to complete security questionnaires about their devices helps you gain insight into how those devices are managed, protected, and maintained before you commit to using them in your business environment.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Devices connected to your network can be a weak point if they're not properly secured. A compromised device can lead to downtime, data breaches, or even ransomware attacks, all of which disrupt your operations and damage customer trust. For example, if a supplier's device lacks proper security controls, malware could spread through your network, causing lost productivity and costly recovery efforts. Additionally, if you handle personal data, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 require you to take reasonable steps to protect that data, which extends to the devices your suppliers use.
A typical scenario
Imagine a UK SME with around 50 employees that uses a third-party supplier to provide specialised hardware for remote workers. Without clear information on the device's security features—such as encryption, patching schedules, or access controls—the business risks introducing vulnerabilities. A good IT partner would request detailed security information from the supplier, evaluate the risks, and ensure the devices meet the company's security standards before deployment. This might include confirming compliance with Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 controls relevant to device security.
Practical checklist for managing supplier device security
- Request completed security questionnaires that cover device management, patching, encryption, access controls, and incident response.
- Ask suppliers about compliance with UK security standards such as Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS if relevant.
- Check device update policies—how often are firmware and software patches applied?
- Confirm access controls—who can access the device and how is this monitored?
- Review encryption standards for data stored on or transmitted by the device.
- Ensure logging and monitoring are in place to detect unusual activity.
- Verify backup arrangements if the device stores critical data.
- Include supplier security requirements in contracts or service level agreements (SLAs).
- Perform internal checks on devices once deployed, such as verifying patch levels and access permissions.
Next steps
Discussing device security with your suppliers is a practical step towards reducing cyber risk and protecting your business operations. A trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor can help you develop appropriate supplier security questionnaires, interpret responses, and integrate these checks into your overall IT security strategy. This approach supports compliance readiness and helps maintain the reliability and safety of your technology environment.