Company devices today are more than just tools for daily work. They act as digital gateways to internal projects, confidential customer data, financial information and the core systems that keep your organisation running. Smartphones and laptops travel everywhere: to the office, on business trips, into home offices and through countless public networks. They enable flexible work — but this flexibility also creates serious security risks.

Every mobile device connected to your business holds a piece of your digital infrastructure. A lost smartphone, a laptop used in unsecured Wi-Fi or a single phishing email can be enough to expose sensitive information. The consequences range from production downtime and data leaks to financial loss and damage to your company’s reputation.

What many businesses underestimate is how quickly an incident can happen — and how easily it can be prevented with the right security controls. The good news: you don’t need a large IT department to protect your company’s mobile phones and laptops effectively. With a set of clear, modern practices, you can strengthen your organisation’s entire security posture and give your employees safe, reliable devices to work with.

This guide walks you through the most important steps: simple, practical and immediately actionable. From strong authentication to MDM, from Zero Trust networking to employee training — these measures form the foundation of robust, modern cybersecurity in any business.

1. Enforce Strong Passwords and Modern Authentication

Passwords are the first line of defense in any organisation — and at the same time, they are often the weakest point. Many cyberattacks begin with a single password that is stolen, guessed, or reused across multiple accounts. Once attackers gain access to a corporate login, they can read emails, extract sensitive data, manipulate systems or even move laterally through an entire network. This is why companies need clear, enforced standards for how employees handle their credentials.

The foundation is the use of strong passwords or, even better, long passphrases made from multiple words. Passphrases are significantly more secure while being easier to remember, reducing the likelihood of employees choosing weak or predictable combinations. Equally important is eliminating password reuse. Many people use identical credentials for private and business accounts, which creates a massive risk: if a personal login is hacked, business accounts instantly become vulnerable. Companies should therefore implement strict guidelines and regular checks to ensure that passwords are unique and secure.

A highly effective layer of protection is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Even if attackers obtain a password, MFA prevents them from accessing the account by requiring an additional verification step, such as an app-based code, a push notification or a biometric scan. Studies consistently show that MFA blocks up to 95 percent of attacks involving compromised passwords, making it one of the most impactful and cost-effective security measures available. To complement this, organisations should make full use of built-in biometric features such as Windows Hello, Touch ID or Face ID. These methods give employees quick, convenient access while significantly raising the barrier for unauthorised users.

To reduce mistakes and strengthen overall security, a company-wide password manager is also invaluable. It automatically generates secure passwords, stores them in encrypted form and helps employees avoid unsafe habits such as writing passwords down or creating predictable variations. This simple tool dramatically lowers the risk of human error — still one of the most common causes of security incidents.

A strong authentication strategy is therefore one of the most effective steps a company can take to protect its devices. It prevents everyday mishaps from turning into serious security breaches and provides a solid foundation for all other cybersecurity measures that follow.

This article shows you how to create extremely strong passwords that hackers can’t easily crack.
https://cybersecureguard.org/how-to-create-a-password-that-is-hard-to-crack

2. Encrypt All Devices by Default

Encrypting company mobile phones and laptops is one of the most effective ways to protect sensitive information, yet it is still underestimated or inconsistently implemented in many organisations. The concept is simple: even if a device is lost or stolen, every file stored on it remains completely unreadable. Without the correct key, all data turns into meaningless, unusable code — no matter whether the attacker is a thief, a third party or even a technically skilled adversary.

Modern operating systems already provide powerful encryption tools built in. Windows uses BitLocker, macOS relies on FileVault, Android devices include system-level encryption, and iPhones come encrypted by default. The real problem is that many businesses do not actively enforce these features or assume that employees will enable them on their own. This leaves avoidable gaps in security. A laptop left unattended on a train, a phone forgotten in a taxi, or a device stolen from the office can put confidential information at risk if the data is stored in plain text.

Encryption also offers a critical layer of protection against cyberattacks. Even if an attacker gains access to a device’s hardware or attempts to extract data directly from its storage, encrypted information remains unusable. In industries with strict compliance requirements — such as healthcare, finance, law or consulting — full-device encryption is not merely recommended, it is mandatory.

To make encryption reliable, companies should enforce it centrally and verify compliance. Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools ensure that no corporate device can be used unless encryption is active. They also enable remote locking or wiping of lost devices, preventing sensitive data from ever falling into the wrong hands. The best part is that modern encryption runs silently in the background, without slowing down the device or interrupting employees in their daily work.

Encryption may seem like a passive safeguard, but it prevents one of the most damaging consequences of a security incident: the exposure of sensitive business data. It protects corporate secrets, customer information, internal documents and access credentials, making it an indispensable foundation for any strong cybersecurity strategy.

3. Keep Operating Systems and Applications Up to Date

Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks for any organisation — and at the same time one of the easiest to prevent. Every vulnerability discovered in an operating system or application can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain access to devices, data or entire corporate networks. Security updates exist to close these gaps, yet many devices remain unpatched for weeks or even months because updates are postponed, delayed or not centrally managed.

The principle is straightforward: the longer a system goes without updates, the higher the likelihood of compromise. This is especially true for “zero-day vulnerabilities” — security flaws that attackers actively exploit before patches are released. Once an update becomes available, threat actors typically move quickly to target as many unpatched devices as possible. This makes a reliable update strategy absolutely essential for every business.

Automatic updates for operating systems and security-relevant applications should always be enabled — not as a suggestion, but as a firm policy. Organisations should never rely on employees to decide when to install updates. Centralised management through Mobile Device Management (MDM) or endpoint administration tools ensures that updates are deployed consistently, quickly and according to defined security requirements.

Application updates are just as important as system patches. Many exploited vulnerabilities originate in third-party software such as browsers, communication tools, office applications or collaboration platforms. These apps interact with the internet constantly, making them prime targets for attacks. Regularly updating them reduces the chances of exploitation dramatically.

Minimising unnecessary software is another critical component. The more apps installed on a device, the larger the attack surface. A clear approved-software policy helps maintain tighter security, improve device performance and simplify central management.

Updates are more than routine maintenance — they are a fundamental security control. A well-defined, automated patching process ensures that weaknesses are eliminated before attackers can take advantage of them. Businesses that handle updates consistently and systematically strengthen not just individual devices, but their entire security ecosystem.

4. Use a Mobile Device Management System

A Mobile Device Management system — or MDM — is the core of a modern security strategy for company devices. While passwords, encryption and updates are fundamental, an MDM ensures that all these measures are consistently enforced, centrally controlled and free from human error. Without an MDM, security often depends on whether employees configure their devices correctly, install updates on time or follow security instructions. With an MDM, these tasks become automated — and automation is precisely what makes this technology so powerful.

MDM platforms allow organisations to manage all corporate smartphones and laptops from a single dashboard. This ensures that every device is encrypted, uses strong authentication, stays fully updated and only runs approved applications. Instead of configuring each device manually, the company defines security policies that automatically apply to every device — right from the moment it is enrolled.

One of the most important capabilities is remote protection. If a device is lost or stolen, it can be locked or wiped instantly, preventing sensitive customer data, internal documents or access credentials from falling into the wrong hands. What could have become a major security incident turns into a harmless situation thanks to encryption and the ability to erase data remotely.

App control is another critical feature. Over time, devices naturally accumulate unnecessary software, and each additional app introduces new risks — from vulnerabilities to excessive permissions. An MDM enforces a clean, secure app environment by allowing only trusted, approved software and blocking anything that could compromise the organisation.

MDM systems also support compliance and make audits significantly easier. At any moment, organisations can verify and document that all devices meet the required security standards. This is especially valuable in industries where confidentiality and data protection are essential, such as healthcare, finance or consulting.

Ultimately, an MDM gives companies something incredibly important: control. Instead of relying on individual user behaviour, the organisation builds a centralised and automated security framework. The result is a unified, resilient environment that protects corporate data consistently — no matter where the devices are or who is using them.

5. Separate Business and Personal Use

Mixing personal and business data on the same device is one of the most underestimated risks in modern organisations. At first glance, it seems convenient: employees carry only one device, communication flows faster, and daily tasks become easier. But this convenience comes at a high price. When private apps, personal email accounts or untrusted downloads operate alongside sensitive corporate information, a risky overlap emerges — a digital weak spot that attackers frequently exploit.

It only takes one infected game, a malicious app from an unverified store or an unsecured personal cloud backup to expose business data unintentionally. Private devices used for corporate logins pose an even greater challenge. They are difficult to control, often lack proper encryption, receive updates irregularly and contain apps with broad permissions. Cybercriminals target this private sphere precisely because it is less regulated and therefore easier to compromise.

For this reason, organisations must establish a strict, enforceable separation between personal and business environments. On Android devices, this is best achieved through a Work Profile, which keeps corporate apps, storage and data completely isolated from private use. Only the work environment is subject to company policies, while the personal side remains independent. On Apple devices, Managed Apple IDs, controlled app distribution and supervised device management ensure a similar level of separation and security.

A related topic is BYOD — Bring Your Own Device. While it can reduce costs, it significantly increases risk if not tightly controlled. Companies should distinguish clearly between BYOD and COPE (Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled). In a COPE model, the organisation provides the device but allows limited personal use under strict security policies. This model often offers the best balance between user convenience and strong protection.

Separation is not a matter of mistrust; it is a matter of protecting both sides. When corporate data resides in a secure, isolated environment, even private mistakes or malware cannot compromise business integrity. At the same time, employees retain their privacy, as the organisation does not interfere with their personal apps or data.

Establishing a clear boundary between personal and business use creates a stable and secure foundation — safeguarding both the organisation’s most valuable information and the employee’s digital freedom.

6. Secure Network Connections

ompany devices no longer operate exclusively in the office. Laptops, tablets and smartphones connect to countless networks every day — at home, on business trips, in hotels, airports, trains and cafés. This mobility is one of the strengths of modern work, but it also introduces significant security risks. Unsecured or malicious Wi-Fi networks are a favourite entry point for cybercriminals, allowing them to intercept data, steal login credentials or inject malware into devices.

To counter these threats, organisations need strict, enforceable rules. A company laptop or phone should never connect to a public network without protection. A VPN — ideally enabled automatically — is the most essential safeguard. It encrypts all traffic and prevents anyone on the same network from monitoring or manipulating data. But the VPN must be enforced centrally rather than left to user discretion; only then can the organisation ensure that every connection truly passes through the secure tunnel.

However, a VPN alone is no longer enough. Modern cybersecurity relies on the Zero Trust model — no device is trusted by default, even if it appears to be within the corporate environment. Every connection must be authenticated and authorised. This dramatically reduces the chances of lateral movement attacks, where intruders break into one device and then silently spread to others.

DNS filtering is another critical layer. Many attacks begin by redirecting users to malicious or spoofed websites, often through phishing emails or compromised ads. DNS filters block these destinations before a connection is made, stopping entire attack chains before they can start.

The home office adds further complexity. Many private routers are outdated, poorly configured or protected with weak passwords. This makes them an easy target for attackers looking for indirect access to corporate devices. Organisations should therefore provide guidance, security training or even secure hardware to employees working remotely. Otherwise, a compromised home network can quickly become a gateway to the company environment.

Securing network connections is an essential pillar of modern cybersecurity. It protects employees from invisible threats, prevents sensitive data from leaking over insecure connections and ensures that business information travels only through trusted, encrypted channels — no matter where the employee is located.

7. Use Endpoint Protection on Every Device

Traditional antivirus is no longer enough to protect company laptops and mobile devices. Modern cyber threats evolve too quickly, and attackers rely on techniques that standard antivirus tools simply cannot detect. Businesses need advanced endpoint protection that goes far beyond scanning files — solutions that monitor device behavior, identify suspicious activity in real time and stop attacks before they can spread.

This is where Endpoint Detection and Response becomes essential. EDR continuously analyzes what is happening on a device: which processes are running, how applications behave, and whether any unusual patterns appear that could indicate an intrusion. Instead of waiting for a known virus signature, EDR tools can detect new, previously unseen attacks based on their behavior. This makes them particularly effective against sophisticated threats such as fileless malware or lateral movement attempts inside a network.

Modern endpoint protection also includes anti-phishing technology, which helps prevent employees from clicking on malicious links or entering credentials on fake login pages. Since phishing remains one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks, having built-in protection at the device level significantly reduces risk. Combined with browser protection and safe-link scanning, it creates an additional layer of defense that complements email filtering and user training.

Another critical component is ransomware detection. Today’s ransomware often moves silently, encrypting data rapidly or attempting to disable security tools before launching its final attack. Advanced endpoint solutions monitor for suspicious encryption behavior, unauthorized file modifications and abnormal system activity — and can automatically isolate or shut down a device before the damage spreads across the company.

All of this works together through real-time monitoring, ensuring that every device remains under continuous protection. Instead of relying on periodic scans, modern solutions track threats as they happen and respond immediately, often before an employee even notices something is wrong.

Professional tools like CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Business and Sophos provide comprehensive endpoint security built for modern companies. They combine behavioral analysis, threat intelligence, remediation capabilities and automated responses into a single unified system.

By deploying advanced endpoint protection across all company devices, businesses dramatically reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. It ensures that laptops and smartphones remain protected not only from known malware, but also from evolving threats that traditional antivirus could never stop.

8. Back Up All Business Devices — Especially Laptops

Backups are one of the most overlooked yet most critical components of a strong cybersecurity strategy. While mobile phones often sync data automatically to secure cloud services, laptops frequently store important documents, project files and credentials locally. If a device is lost, stolen, infected with ransomware or suffers hardware failure, that data can disappear instantly — unless a proper backup system is in place.

A reliable backup strategy ensures that no single incident can disrupt operations or cause irreversible data loss. Modern cyber threats, especially ransomware, deliberately target local files and shared drives. Attackers know that if a company has no backup, they can demand high ransom payments with a greater chance of success. Regular backups, particularly those stored offline or in immutable storage, break this leverage entirely. Even if a machine is compromised, the company can restore its data without paying attackers or suffering extended downtime.

The foundation of strong backup hygiene is automation. Employees should never be responsible for manual backups — it is too easy to forget, postpone or misconfigure them. Instead, companies should automatically back up all data through secure cloud platforms or centralized backup solutions. This includes critical documents, configuration files, emails and even entire system images, depending on the business’s needs.

A good strategy follows the well-established 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data

• 2 different storage locations

• 1 backup stored offline or immutable

This approach ensures resilience against ransomware, accidental deletion and even system-wide failures. Cloud-based backups provide convenience and accessibility, while offline or read-only backups ensure that even a sophisticated attacker cannot tamper with all copies.

It is equally important to test backups regularly. Many organisations assume their backups work — only to discover during a crisis that files are corrupted, outdated or incomplete. Periodic recovery tests validate the process and ensure that data can be restored quickly and accurately when needed.

Backup policies should apply to all business devices, not just servers or office PCs. Laptops used by remote teams, managers or field staff often contain some of the most sensitive and irreplaceable information. Without automatic backups, these devices become single points of failure.

By implementing a strong, automated and regularly tested backup strategy, businesses protect themselves from data loss, ransomware attacks and operational interruptions. Backups turn potential disasters into manageable incidents and form a foundational layer of resilience for the entire organisation.

9. Train your Employees Regularly

Even the most advanced security tools cannot compensate for human error. Employees remain one of the most common targets — and often the weakest link — in a company’s cybersecurity defenses. Attackers know this, which is why phishing, social engineering and credential theft remain among the most successful attack methods worldwide. A strong security culture is therefore not optional; it is essential.

Regular training helps employees understand how cyber threats work and how they can protect themselves and the organisation. One of the first skills every employee should learn is how to recognise phishing attempts. These attacks can appear as convincing emails, messages or login prompts designed to steal passwords or trick users into installing malware. When employees can spot unusual links, suspicious attachments or deceptive sender addresses, they block many attacks before they even begin.

Training should also reinforce the importance of strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. Even the most secure systems become vulnerable if a user relies on weak credentials or reuses passwords across multiple accounts. By teaching employees how to create safe passphrases and use password managers correctly, organisations significantly reduce the risk of compromised accounts.

Another key topic is handling sensitive data properly. Employees must understand what information is confidential, how it should be stored and how it may — or may not — be shared. This includes everything from internal documents and customer data to financial information and login credentials. Clear guidelines, combined with hands-on examples, ensure that employees can apply secure behavior in their daily work.

Equally important is encouraging employees to report suspicious activity immediately. A strange email, an unexpected login request, a device behaving abnormally — these small warning signs are often the first indicators of an attack. When employees feel confident and supported in reporting concerns, companies can respond early and prevent escalation.

Effective training is not a one-time event. Cyber threats evolve constantly, so employees need ongoing reminders, up-to-date knowledge and practical exercises. Short, regular training sessions, simulated phishing campaigns and simple checklists can all help reinforce good habits.

Building a strong security culture transforms employees from potential vulnerabilities into active defenders of the organisation. Awareness creates confidence — and confidence creates safety.

10. Prepare for Incidents Before They Happen

No matter how well-protected your company devices are, no system is ever completely immune to cyber threats. That’s why every organisation needs a clear and well-practised incident response plan. When a device is lost, stolen or compromised, the first few minutes matter enormously. A calm, structured response can turn a potentially serious breach into a contained and manageable situation.

The most important foundation is ensuring that employees know exactly whom to contact when something goes wrong. Uncertainty and hesitation often lead to delays — and delays give attackers time to escalate their access. A simple, visible protocol helps: one central point of contact, one hotline or email, one clear instruction such as “Report immediately.” Clear communication prevents confusion and enables quick action.

Once an incident is reported, the next step is to lock or wipe the affected device. Modern Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems allow administrators to disable devices remotely, revoke access tokens and remove sensitive data instantly. This stops attackers from using the device to access corporate services or extract confidential information.

An essential part of incident handling is resetting passwords and updating MFA for any accounts that may have been exposed. Even if there is no evidence of misuse, resetting credentials removes hidden risks and closes potential backdoors. This includes email accounts, cloud services, VPN credentials and any applications installed on the device.

After securing the immediate threat, organisations must identify which systems or data were affected. This includes reviewing logs, analysing unusual activity and checking whether sensitive information was accessed or copied. Even seemingly small incidents — such as a misplaced phone — should be documented and evaluated to understand what happened and whether additional safeguards are needed.

Finally, a strong incident response plan includes learning from every event. Each incident, whether large or small, provides insights that help strengthen future defenses: Was the employee unsure what to do? Did the response take too long? Were technical tools configured correctly? These lessons make the organisation more resilient over time.

Preparation is not about assuming the worst — it’s about ensuring that when something does happen, your team can respond quickly, confidently and effectively. A well-designed incident response plan turns uncertainty into control and protects your business from the long-term consequences of cyber incidents.

Conclusion: How to Protect Your Company’s Mobile Phones and Laptops

Securing company mobile phones and laptops is no longer a technical detail — it is a critical part of protecting your entire organisation. From passwords and encryption to MDM, network security and employee awareness, every measure you implement reduces your attack surface and strengthens the resilience of your business. Modern devices travel everywhere, connect to countless networks and store sensitive information every single day. Without the right safeguards, they become easy targets. With the right strategy, they become one of your strongest security assets.

The good news is that you don’t need a large IT department to build strong protection. Clear policies, automation and a handful of essential tools are enough to secure your devices effectively. And the earlier you start, the easier it becomes to maintain a consistent, company-wide security standard.

By applying the practices in this guide, you ensure that your business devices remain protected — whether your employees are in the office, at home or on the move. Secure devices create a secure organisation. And in a world where cyber threats continue to evolve, that security is one of the smartest investments you can make.

I also recommend you read the following articles

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Why Virus Protection Alone Is Rarely Enough – and Why Knowledge Is the Key

Will your company still need antivirus software in 2025 – or is it just expensive snake oil?

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