As more small businesses let employees take laptops home to finish projects, practical security steps become essential to protect both equipment and sensitive data. Implementing clear policies and easy-to-follow technical measures minimizes risk without slowing productivity. Below are actionable strategies you can adopt right away to secure devices, networks, and information while keeping your team efficient.

Establish a Clear Device Use Policy

Start with a concise written policy that defines who may take devices home, what they may be used for, and the responsibilities of both the employer and the employee. Include rules about physical custody, reporting lost or stolen devices, prohibited activities (like sharing logins), and expectations for software updates and backups. Make the policy part of onboarding and require periodic acknowledgment so everyone understands the rules.

Maintain an Accurate Asset Inventory

Keep a centralized inventory of all laptops, chargers, and accessories. Record serial numbers, assigned users, and current condition. An up-to-date asset register speeds recovery if a device is lost or stolen, helps when filing insurance claims, and supports lifecycle planning so you can replace aging equipment before risks increase.

Use Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Endpoint Security

Deploy an MDM or endpoint management solution to enforce security settings remotely. MDM enables device encryption, strong password rules, automatic updates, and remote locking or wiping if a laptop is lost. Pair MDM with endpoint antivirus and behavioral protection to detect suspicious activity early and block common threats.

Encrypt Devices and Storage

Require full-disk encryption on all company laptops. Encryption ensures that even if a device falls into the wrong hands, stored data remains unreadable without the proper credentials. Built-in solutions such as BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) are effective when managed centrally and paired with secure key recovery procedures.

Enforce Strong Authentication and Access Controls

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for access to email, cloud services, and VPNs. Adopt the principle of least privilege so users only have the access necessary for their roles. Use single sign-on (SSO) with conditional access policies to block risky sign-ins or connections from untrusted locations.

Secure Remote Connections

Require a company-approved VPN or secure access solution when employees connect from public or home networks. Ensure VPN clients are kept up to date and configure split-tunneling carefully to avoid exposing internal resources. For cloud-hosted work, enforce strong access controls and network segmentation to limit damage if a credential is compromised.

Protect Data in Transit and at Rest

Advise staff to use encrypted file-sharing and collaboration tools rather than email attachments. Use DLP (Data Loss Prevention) tools where possible to detect and prevent the accidental transmission of sensitive files. Encourage regular backups to an approved cloud service so work can be restored quickly if a device is lost or damaged.

Physical Security and Safe Handling

Teach practical physical protections: use cable locks at public workspaces, never leave laptops unattended in cars or cafés, carry devices in inconspicuous bags, and store equipment in a locked area at home. Make sure staff know how to report a lost device immediately and whom to contact for remote wipe or support.

Secure Home Network Guidelines

Provide simple guidance for securing home Wi‑Fi: change default router passwords, use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, keep router firmware updated, and set a separate guest network for visitors. Encourage employees to avoid public Wi‑Fi for sensitive work and to use their mobile hotspot or company VPN when a secure connection isn’t available.

Train Employees and Simulate Threats

Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. Regular, short training sessions help employees recognize phishing, social engineering, and risky behavior. Run occasional phishing simulations and review results in a constructive, non-punitive way so staff learn to identify threats without fear.

Plan for Incidents and Maintain Insurance

Have a simple incident response plan that outlines immediate steps for lost devices, suspected breaches, or ransomware incidents: isolate the device, reset credentials, notify stakeholders, and engage IT support. Review your business insurance to ensure coverage for stolen equipment and cyber incidents that could affect small operations.

These measures are practical and scalable: you can start with policies, inventory, and basic endpoint protections, and progressively add MDM, VPNs, and formal incident procedures as your budget allows. Focus on creating easy-to-follow practices and automated technical controls so security becomes part of the workflow rather than a burden. When employees understand their role and the company makes secure choices simple, laptops can leave the office without taking your data or peace of mind with them.