When your staff use mobiles and laptops for work, having clear IT policies is essential to protect your business data and keep operations running smoothly. These policies set out how devices should be used, secured, and managed, helping to reduce risks such as data breaches, loss of sensitive information, or interruptions caused by cyberattacks or device failure.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Small and medium-sized businesses often rely heavily on mobile and laptop devices, especially with remote or hybrid working becoming commonplace. Without proper policies, devices can become weak points for cybercriminals to exploit, risking downtime and damage to your reputation. Additionally, UK regulations like the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR require you to protect personal and customer data, making robust device management a compliance priority.
A typical scenario
Consider a UK company with around 50 employees, many of whom work remotely using laptops and mobiles. Without clear rules, some staff might connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi, use weak passwords, or store sensitive files locally without backups. One day, an employee's device is stolen, and because there was no encryption or remote wipe policy, confidential client data is exposed. A managed IT partner would help by implementing device encryption, enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and setting up remote management tools to lock or wipe lost devices, significantly reducing the risk.
Practical checklist for your mobile and laptop policies
- Device security: Require encryption on all laptops and mobiles to protect data if devices are lost or stolen.
- Access control: Enforce strong password policies and use MFA for accessing work accounts and devices.
- Remote management: Ensure your IT provider can remotely monitor, update, and wipe devices if necessary.
- Network use: Set rules for connecting only to trusted, secure Wi-Fi networks and using VPNs when accessing company resources remotely.
- Software updates: Keep operating systems and applications up to date with security patches.
- Data handling: Prohibit storing sensitive data locally without backups and define approved cloud storage solutions.
- Incident reporting: Establish clear steps for staff to report lost or stolen devices immediately.
- Training and awareness: Regularly educate staff on the risks of unsecured devices and safe usage practices.
- Audit readiness: Maintain logs of device access and security events to support compliance with UK GDPR and Cyber Essentials requirements.
Questions to ask your IT provider
- How do you help enforce device encryption and MFA across all staff devices?
- What remote management tools do you provide to secure lost or stolen devices?
- Can you assist with regular security audits and compliance checks related to mobile and laptop use?
- How do you support software patching and vulnerability management for endpoints?
- Do you offer training or awareness sessions tailored for mobile and laptop security?
Having well-defined policies for mobiles and laptops is a practical step to safeguard your business from common cyber risks and compliance pitfalls. Discuss your current approach with a trusted managed IT provider or IT consultant who understands the needs of UK SMEs. They can help tailor policies, implement necessary controls, and ensure your devices support your business securely and efficiently.