Using personal devices be it phones, laptops or tablets for work has become completely normal. Staff check emails on their own mobile phones, join Teams calls from home, and access files while on the move. While this flexibility helps productivity, it can also introduce risks that many businesses don’t realise they’re exposed to until it’s too late.

Issue 1 – Loss of Control Over Business Data

The first issue with personal devices is control. Once company data is accessed from a device the business doesn’t manage, it becomes much harder to protect. Devices may not be encrypted, secured with strong passwords, or kept up to date with the latest software. Files can be downloaded to personal storage, synced to non-business cloud services, or shared unintentionally. If a device is lost or stolen, the business may not know what data has been exposed and limit it’s spread.

Issue 2 – Security and Compliance Risks

Personal devices often fall outside standard security controls. IT teams usually have no visibility over what software is installed or whether security updates are being applied. This increases the risk of malware and data breaches. For businesses handling customer or personal data, this can also create compliance issues, particularly around GDPR and data accountability which are great concerns.

What Happens When an Employee Leaves?

Leavers are another common risk area. If an employee has been using their own device, company emails and files can remain on that device after they leave. Without proper controls in place, there is no reliable way to remove business data remotely. This leaves businesses relying on trust rather than process, which is rarely a good long-term strategy.

Why Company Policy Matters

A clear device policy helps set expectations and reduce confusion. It should outline which personal devices can be used for work, the minimum security requirements, and what happens if a device is lost or stolen. However, policy alone isn’t enough.

Managing Personal Devices Effectively

Modern device management tools allow businesses to protect company data on personal devices without taking over the entire device. They can separate work information from personal apps, apply security rules like encryption and strong access controls, and block access from devices that don’t meet minimum standards. If a device is lost or an employee leaves, business data can be removed remotely without affecting personal information.

Keep Flexible Working Safe

The key to flexible working is balance. With the right tools and processes, staff can work from personal devices while businesses retain visibility, control and compliance. Company data stays protected, access is monitored, and policies are enforced automatically. If you want to make flexible working safer for your team, it’s worth reviewing your device policy and management approach so your people can work anywhere without putting your business at risk. Need some guidance? Get in touch! At Three Cherries, we take the gamble out of business technology.