Devices & Working Anywhere

Your Devices & Updates

Foundational

Your laptop and phone are doorways to company and customer data, so keeping them healthy is part of keeping us safe. The essentials are easy: install updates promptly, keep security software on, use work devices for work, and tell IT fast if a device is lost or acting strangely.

Most device security is handled for you, but a few things depend on you. Updates exist largely to fix security holes that attackers actively exploit, so a device that's behind on updates is a known, open door. And a lost or compromised device is a serious matter precisely because of what it can reach — which is why speed of reporting matters so much.

The other half is keeping work and personal worlds sensibly separate, and not undermining the protections IT has put in place.

Keep devices healthy

DoInstall updates promptly when prompted — on your work laptop and phone — rather than postponing them repeatedly.
DoKeep security software (antivirus, disk encryption, device management) switched on and don't try to disable it.
DoUse a screen lock with a strong PIN/passphrase or biometrics on every device that accesses work.
AlwaysKeep your work devices up to date and protected — updates close the security holes attackers rely on.
ConsiderUsing work devices for work and personal devices for personal life, keeping them sensibly separate.

Don't undermine protections

Do notInstall unapproved software, browser extensions, or apps on work devices, or "jailbreak"/root them.
Do notLet family or friends use your work device, and don't store personal data you'd hate to lose on it.
NeverDisable security controls (encryption, antivirus, device management) on a work device.
NeverConnect an unknown USB stick or device you found or were handed unexpectedly — give it to IT.

If a device is lost or stolen

AlwaysReport a lost or stolen work device — or one accessing work data — to IT/security immediately, so it can be locked and wiped (see Report It).
DoTell IT if a device starts behaving oddly — pop-ups, slowness, unexpected apps — as it may be infected.

Ask yourself

AskIs this device up to date, locked, and running its security software?
AskAm I about to install or connect something that isn't approved?
AskIf this device went missing, who would I tell, and how fast?

Why it matters: An out-of-date or tampered-with device is one of the easiest ways for attackers to get a foothold, and a lost device can put customer data directly in a stranger's hands. Keeping devices updated and protected, and reporting losses instantly so they can be wiped, keeps these doorways shut.