It’s common practice for employees to use work laptops for personal tasks. Whether it’s checking email, scrolling through social media, or watching a quick video, many people mix business with personal activities on work devices. At first glance, it may seem harmless—but it could actually be a big security risk for your business.
A recent study revealed that 90% of employees use company laptops for non-work activities. This often includes high-risk actions like visiting unsecured websites, streaming questionable content, and even accessing parts of the dark web. Each of these activities can open the door to malware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats, putting sensitive company data at risk.
As remote and hybrid work arrangements become the norm, it’s tougher than ever to control what happens on work devices. Employees working from home or on the go are likely connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, plugging in personal USB drives, and blurring the lines between work and personal usage. Younger employees, in particular, seem more inclined to take these digital risks. This behavior makes it easier for hackers to take advantage of weak points, which can have serious consequences for businesses.
Adding to the concern, 18% of employees don’t have any cybersecurity software on their work devices, and another 7% aren’t even sure if they do. Without adequate protection, a single compromised device can be all it takes to give cybercriminals a way into your business.
Privacy is another issue to consider. A third of employees admit they’d feel uneasy knowing their employer could see their personal activities on a work laptop. This discomfort is understandable, but it highlights the need for clear policies that protect both employees’ privacy and your business’ security.
So, how can business owners address these risks? Here are a few steps that can make a big difference:
Implement Clear Policies: Make sure employees understand what’s allowed—and what isn’t—when it comes to using company devices. It’s important to outline specific guidelines that address acceptable use, privacy expectations, and potential consequences.
Strengthen Security Measures: Every company device should be equipped with up-to-date cybersecurity software. This is a straightforward but effective way to prevent threats from taking hold.
Use Remote Management Tools: With the right tools, your IT team (or partner) can monitor devices, manage security settings, and respond to threats in real-time, regardless of where your employees are working. These tools can also help maintain a clear boundary between work and personal usage on company devices.
Educate Your Team: Help employees understand the risks of using work devices for personal activities. A little knowledge goes a long way—when people know how their behavior impacts security, they’re more likely to follow best practices.
Balancing convenience and security can be challenging. Working with an experienced IT partner like us can help you implement these measures smoothly, keeping your business secure without disrupting daily operations.
If you’d like to discuss how we can support your business in managing device security, feel free to reach out.