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Small and medium sized businesses often handle a significant amount of sensitive data, including customer information, financial records, and proprietary business information. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. Encrypting the storage ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains protected.
You might think your devices don’t hold any data worth protecting, e.g. if you use a remote desktop system. But at least one person in your organisation is likely to have done something directly on their device that will have potentially stored sensitive data. One simple example is using the web browser and saving a password. It is trivial for someone to extract saved passwords and other data from a lost or stolen device if it is unencrypted.
The ICO has the following to say:
“The ICO considers encryption to be an ‘appropriate technical measure’, and in cases where data is lost or unlawfully accessed and encryption was not used, we may consider regulatory action.”
So what’s the solution? In our opinion the best solution for small and medium businesses is to use Microsoft Intune to enable encryption on all devices that are used for business purposes - laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc. You can also use Microsoft Intune to send a wipe command to any device that’s been lost or stolen. Microsoft Intune has many more useful features for small and medium sized businesses, but that’s a topic for another day.
If you need assistance ensuring your devices are encrypted, or with any other compliance requirements please don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQ
Is encryption annoying to the end-user?
All commonly in use devices e.g. Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, have built in encryption options that have no impact on the end-user.
How does encryption protect against physical theft?
If a device is stolen, the thief can potentially access the data stored on the device. However, with encryption in place, the data remains secure and inaccessible, rendering the stolen device useless to the thief.
Does encrypting a device affect its performance
Any device purchased within the last 10 years should not be affected by encryption.
Is device encryption a cost-effective solution for small businesses?
Yes, implementing device encryption is a cost-effective security solution for small businesses. Many modern operating systems come with built-in encryption tools that are easy to use and require minimal investment. The cost of encryption is far outweighed by the potential financial losses and reputational damage that can result from a data breach.
What are some common encryption options for mobile devices?
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For Microsoft Windows - Bitlocker
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For Apple MacOS - FileVault
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For Apple iOS - Data Protection
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For Google Android - On Android it is simply called “Encryption”
How Telanova Can Help Your Berkshire Business
At Telanova, we specialise in helping small and medium-sized businesses secure their devices and data through comprehensive IT solutions, including device encryption. Protecting sensitive information doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you're looking to implement encryption, manage your devices through Microsoft Intune, or ensure your business complies with data protection regulations, our expert team is here to help.
Contact us today on 01344 567 990 to discuss how we can help secure your business and keep your sensitive data safe from potential threats.
