Protecting business data and devices: How companies can secure employee laptops from cyberthreats

In 2026, laptop security remains as a top priority for any business. With hybrid working, the new norm for the working world, employees regularly will access company systems from home, cafes and co-working spaces , which can give cybercriminals a wider “attack surface” on targeting devices and data. If you have a business, endpoint security should be a priority and less of an afterthought. In the year up to September 2025, the UK National Cyber Security Centre dealt with 429 incidents, including four major attacks on a weekly basis. 

Here are some essential tips for businesses to secure their employee’s equipment away from any future cyberthreats.

Create and enforce clear rules around device security

Strong laptop security starts with clear policies and standards – starting with how employees must configure their new devices. Make sure to set rules around what kind of software they can install, password standards and acceptable use. You can also standardise devices across teams to make it easier to manage updates, apply essential security patches and track assets. This can be more difficult for larger companies with hundreds or even thousands of staff members, so invest in mobile device management (MDM) systems to control settings remotely and ensure each laptop meets security requirements. 

Detect threats early with endpoint protection and monitoring

Once employees start to use their devices, install endpoint protection such as antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems and continuous monitoring tools to keep them secure. These systems are great for looking for unusual behaviours such as suspected log-ins or unexpected file changes, that will trigger and alert, making it easy for IT teams to respond to issues immediately before malware spreads or sensitive data is compromised.

Managing lost or stolen devices: The importance of encryption

Laptops are easy to lose or steal so it’s critical to take steps to protect data stored on them and reduce the risk of sensitive information being exposed. Even if a device does fall into the wrong hands, full-disk encryption ensures that the data remains unreadable. It is also a good idea to also invest in remote management tools that allow IT teams to have access of wiping or locking a device in case it goes missing.

Public Wi-Fi and home connections: Protecting laptops outside the office network

Data security definitely becomes more complex when employees work outside the office. Public Wi-Fi and home networks can easily expose company data. To reduce this risk, use tools such as virtual private networks, multi-factor authentication and zero-trust access policies to control who can access company resources and how. Also, look into tools like a free VPN for Mac when supporting employees who use different devices to ensure secure connections across operating systems while protecting company data in transit.

Protect company data in a hybrid world

Remote and hybrid working will only become more common. This means that securing company laptops is no longer optional. With these essential laptop security practices, you can protect business operations and sensitive data while enabling employees to be productive no matter where they choose to work.