The Rise of Smart Devices and the Decline of PCs
The PC, also called the personal computer, is losing steam in some circles, generally being replaced by portable digital devices: laptops, but mostly tablet computers and smartphones. In both small and large businesses, the PC is still widely used and is still generally very useful. For consumers and in the home, however, PCs are dwindling quickly.
The portability and convenience of smart devices have made them appealing for both personal and professional use. However, like all computer technology, there are important security considerations that come with them. The two most immediate risks worth understanding before they become a problem are:
- Device Theft
- Device Loss
Device Theft
Stealing a large computer off of a desktop would likely not be as easy as stealing a tablet or smartphone. One only has to set their phone down momentarily while in a public place and theft can occur instantly: people can be distracted very easily while in public places, and taking eyes off of a charging phone can be risky.
When vehicles are broken into, smart devices are frequent targets because they are small and easy to carry off. Be aware of your surroundings when using smart devices in public, keep your vehicle locked, and avoid leaving expensive portable devices in a parked car for extended periods of time.
Device Loss
The convenience of smart devices being small makes them just as easy to lose as a set of keys. When a phone is lost, recovering it is possible but can be a painstaking task. Technologies exist to help locate a lost smartphone, but in some cases recovery is virtually impossible. Acting quickly is critical.
Whether a lost phone is recovered or not, the data stored on it can still be protected from prying eyes. Strong passwords are a foundational security measure: they will prevent most people from accessing stored data if the device falls into the wrong hands. Smart device encryption, recommended by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), adds another critical layer of protection, making stored data unreadable even if the device itself cannot be recovered.
Whether using smart devices in the home or in the workplace, taking proactive precautions is always the right approach.
What Businesses Need to Know About Smart Device Security
For organizations managing multiple devices across a workforce, personal-level precautions are only part of the picture. A structured approach to mobile device management (MDM) gives IT teams centralized control over company and employee devices, including the ability to enforce encryption policies, require strong authentication, and remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
If your organization allows employees to use personal devices for work, a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) security policy is essential. Without one, sensitive business data can end up on unmanaged, unsecured devices, creating significant exposure. A well-designed BYOD framework puts the right controls in place without disrupting employee productivity.
Smart device security is most effective when addressed before a problem occurs. Reactive approaches, such as scrambling to recover data after a device is lost or stolen, are far more costly in time and risk than preventive measures established upfront. For a broader look at how WheelHouse IT approaches security and compliance, visit our dedicated resource page.
Take Control of Your Mobile Security Today
WheelHouse IT specializes in a broad array of smart device technologies and can assist your business in taking proactive steps toward protection. From mobile device management to comprehensive security planning, our team is ready to help you build a strategy that fits your organization.
Reach out to us today to get started:
Florida: (954) 474-2204 | New York: (516) 536-5006 | Contact Us Online
