Device Security Best Practices: The Ultimate Guide to Protect Your Digital World

Introduction: Why device security matters more than ever

Smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables have become extensions of our bodies. They store sensitive personal data, access corporate systems and manage finances. Yet this convenience comes at a price. According to the Verizon Mobile Security Index, as many as 90 % of successful cyber‑attacks and 70 % of data breaches originate at endpoint devicesverizon.com. A 2025 Ponemon Institute survey found that 68 % of organizations experienced at least one endpoint attack that compromised data or infrastructure, and 81 % reported malware‑based attacksexpertinsights.com.

The shift to remote and hybrid work has exposed additional gaps. One in three U.S. employees use a personal computer and smartphone to work remotely, while 92 % of remote workers globally use personal tablets or smartphones for work tasksguardz.com. Unfortunately, 36 % of these workers admit delaying security updates and 71 % store work passwords on personal phones. These trends help explain why Microsoft research found that 80–90 % of successful ransomware attacks emanate from unmanaged devicesguardz.com.

Device security isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business and societal imperative. The 2025 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report shows average breach costs of USD 4.27 million, and destructive attacks like ransomware or data wiping cost even moreexpertinsights.com. Beyond the monetary impact are reputational damage, loss of customer trust and regulatory penalties. In a digital world, our devices are the doorway to our personal identity and corporate crown jewels; protecting them is paramount.

This guide compiles authoritative best practices from CISA, NIST, and industry research, supplemented with real‑world statistics and step‑by‑step recommendations. Whether you’re a home user, small‑business owner or IT professional, you’ll find actionable guidance to protect your digital world in 2025 and beyond.

Blue neon illustration of mobile device security: a smartphone with a shield and padlock icon, surrounded by concentric waves and binary digits on a dark background.

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Understanding common device threats

Vulnerabilities and software exploits

Modern devices run millions of lines of code. NIST notes that typical software contains roughly 25 errors per 1 000 lines of codetsapps.nist.gov. These vulnerabilities can be exploited if manufacturers or users neglect timely patching. Vulnerabilities exist across all layers of the device stack—from firmware and operating systems to apps from multiple vendors. Attackers exploit these weaknesses to install malware, elevate privileges or bypass lock screens. For example, misusing voice‑assistant or quick‑access features can let attackers bypass a locked devicetsapps.nist.gov.

Device loss and theft

Mobile devices travel everywhere. NIST highlights that their portability means they are more likely to be lost or stolen than desktopstsapps.nist.gov. A stolen smartphone exposes contact lists, messages, banking apps and corporate VPN credentials. If the device isn’t encrypted and locked with a strong passcode, thieves can access sensitive data or plant malware.

Supply‑chain and misconfiguration risks

The hardware and software supply chain is complex. Malicious hardware, firmware or code can be inserted at any stage between manufacturer and customer. Misconfigured devices also introduce risk: insecure settings such as weak passcodes, disabled VPN or screen‑lock notifications can leak sensitive informationtsapps.nist.gov.

Phishing, credential theft and SIM swapping

Phishing remains a primary mobile threat. NIST describes how employees are tricked into giving up credentials by clicking malicious links in emails or SMS messages. Attackers may also install unauthorized certificates, causing the device to trust malicious websites or Trojan appstsapps.nist.gov.

SIM‑swapping attacks are surging. Attackers impersonate victims to convince a telecom provider to transfer a phone number to a SIM card they control. Once successful, they intercept calls and SMS messages—including one‑time passcodes. Expert research shows SIM‑swapping attacks have doubled since 2016expertinsights.com. Setting a carrier PIN and using phishing‑resistant authentication helps mitigate this threat.

Malware and untrusted applications

Mobile devices make it easy to download third‑party apps. NIST warns that unknown apps downloaded from untrusted sources pose significant risk; organizations should treat them as untrusted. Mobile malware can abuse device sensors like cameras and microphones to secretly capture datatsapps.nist.gov. When users sideload apps or install from unauthorized stores, they bypass built‑in protections and invite spyware and ransomware.

Wireless eavesdropping and public networks

Mobile devices rely on wireless networks—Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and cellular. NIST notes that organizations have limited control over external communications networks and that all of these protocols are susceptible to eavesdropping and man‑in‑the‑middle attackstsapps.nist.gov. Attackers can spoof public Wi‑Fi hotspots to intercept traffic, steal credentials or inject malware.

Insecure lock screens and privacy

A device’s lock screen is the first line of defense. Poorly protected lock screens with short PINs can be brute‑forced. Notification previews on the lock screen may reveal emails, messages or corporate data to anyone glancing at the phone. Meanwhile, many apps and enterprise tools collect extensive personal data, raising privacy concernstsapps.nist.gov.

Why proactive device security matters

The statistics underscore the urgency of tightening device security:

Endpoint attacks are common. 68 % of organizations have suffered an endpoint attack and 81 % experienced malware. 53 % of ransomware attacks target data in cloud services like Microsoft 365 or AWSexpertinsights.com.

Smartphones are vulnerable. In a Ponemon survey, 55 % of professionals considered smartphones among their most vulnerable endpoints. Only 21.2 % of Android enterprise updates are applied immediately, while nearly half of updates aren’t managed at all. More than 40 % of Android devices still run an OS version older than v9expertinsights.com.

Remote work magnifies risk. One in three U.S. workers use personal devices for work; globally, 92 % of remote workers use personal tablets or phones and 36 % delay security updates. 71 % store work passwords on personal devices and 38 % of employees say their employers either lack a BYOD policy or it’s ignored.

Attacks begin at endpoints. Verizon’s Mobile Security Index reports that up to 90 % of successful cyber‑attacks originate at endpoint devicesverizon.com. Microsoft adds that 80–90 % of successful ransomware attacks stem from unmanaged devicesguardz.com.

The cost is high. IBM reports average breach costs of USD 4.27 million, with ransomware and destructive attacks averaging USD 4.62 million and USD 4.69 million respectively. Companies hit by ransomware experience around 21 days of downtime. Paying ransom doubles the cost of remediation, yet only 26 % of victims recover data after payingexpertinsights.com.

These numbers illustrate that device security is not optional. The following step‑by‑step best practices, drawn from CISA’s Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance and NIST’s SP 800‑124r2, will help you significantly reduce your attack surface.

Comprehensive device security best practices

1. Adopt strong authentication and password management

Use FIDO‑based multi‑factor authentication (MFA)

CISA strongly recommends enabling phishing‑resistant authentication using Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standardscisa.gov. FIDO keys provide hardware‑based MFA that prevents common phishing and SIM‑swap attacks. Steps:

Inventory valuable accounts: List email, social media, banking and cloud accounts where unauthorized access would be damaging.
Enroll each account in FIDO authentication: Many services (Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Facebook, Dropbox, etc.) support security keys. Purchase at least two keys (primary and backup), register them with your accounts and label them.
Disable weaker MFA: After enrolling FIDO keys, turn off SMS‑based MFA and authenticator‑app codes for those accounts to remove fallback vectorscisa.gov.
Join advanced protection programs: Gmail users can opt into Google’s Advanced Protection Program, which mandates FIDO keys and provides additional safeguards.

Move away from SMS‑based MFA

CISA warns that SMS codes are not encrypted and can be intercepted by attackers who gain access to telecom networkscisa.gov. While authenticator apps are better than SMS, they remain susceptible to phishing. FIDO keys or passkeys offer phishing resistance and should be the default for high‑value accountscisa.gov.

Learn more about account protection in our Digital Identity Security article.

Use a password manager and strong passphrases

Remembering complex unique passwords is impossible without help. CISA advises storing all passwords in a reputable password managercisa.gov. Choose one that alerts you to weak, reused or breached passwords and can generate random strings. Use long, unique passphrases (at least 12–16 characters) and protect the master vault with a strong passphrasecisa.gov. Periodically review stored credentials and update any that are weak.

Set a telco PIN and protect against SIM swapping

Attackers may hijack your phone number by calling your carrier and transferring your line to their SIM card. Set a carrier PIN on your mobile account; carriers will require this PIN before performing sensitive operationscisa.gov. Protect your carrier account with MFA and store your PIN in a password manager. Periodically review your carrier account for unauthorized changes.

2. Encrypt and secure communications

Use end‑to‑end encrypted messaging

CISA urges users to adopt messaging apps that guarantee end‑to‑end encryption, such as Signalcisa.gov. Encrypted messaging ensures that only you and your intended recipient can read messages; even service providers can’t access the content. Choose apps compatible across iOS, Android and desktop. Look for features like disappearing messages and the ability to verify contacts’ security keys. Avoid sending sensitive information via unencrypted SMS or traditional messaging.

Enable device‑level encryption

Modern operating systems offer full‑disk encryption by default—FileVault on macOS, BitLocker on Windows, and File‑Based Encryption (FBE) on Android. For example, the Android Open Source Project notes that Android’s full‑disk encryption uses AES with CBC and ESSIV, with 128‑bit or 256‑bit keyssource.android.com. Ensure encryption is turned on in system settings and protect it with a strong passcode or FIDO key.

For additional insights on encryption methods, check out the Encryption Fundamentals article.

Use a trusted virtual private network (VPN) only when required

Personal VPNs marketed to consumers often move risk from your internet service provider to the VPN provider, expanding the attack surfacecisa.gov. CISA warns that many free and commercial VPN providers have questionable privacy policies. Use a VPN only when your organization requires it to access corporate resources. Otherwise, rely on encrypted protocols (HTTPS) and end‑to‑end messaging.

3. Keep software and hardware up‑to‑date

Enable automatic updates

Outdated software contains exploitable vulnerabilities. CISA advises regularly updating operating systems and apps and turning on auto‑updatecisa.gov. NIST recommends pushing mobile updates weekly to acclimate users to patching and prevent apps from becoming outdated. If you administer many devices, test updates with a small group of tolerant users firsttsapps.nist.gov. After verifying stability, roll updates out across the organization.

For more detailed tips on maintaining software health, visit our Software Maintenance Essentials guide.

Choose secure hardware

CISA recommends prioritizing smartphones from manufacturers with strong security track records and long‑term update commitmentscisa.gov. Select devices that support hardware‑level security features (secure enclaves or hardware security modules) and commit to at least five years of monthly security updatescisa.gov. Upgrading to newer hardware ensures compatibility with the latest encryption and authentication technologies.

4. Manage device and app settings

Review and restrict app permissions

Unnecessary permissions expose data. CISA advises reviewing which apps access sensitive data—location, camera, microphone—and revoking excessive permissionscisa.govcisa.gov. On iOS, go to Settings → Privacy & Security to see which apps can access sensors and disable unused access. On Android, use Settings → Apps → Permissions Manager to review and revoke permissionscisa.gov.

Use secure DNS and safe browsing

For iPhone users, Apple’s iCloud Private Relay encrypts DNS queries and obscures IP addresses. CISA recommends enrolling in Private Relay and using encrypted DNS resolvers like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Quad9’s 9.9.9.9cisa.gov. Android users should configure Private DNS to a trusted resolver and enable Always Use Secure Connections and Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chromecisa.gov. These settings enforce HTTPS and warn about malicious websites.

Enable platform‑specific protections

iOS Lockdown Mode: Designed for high‑risk users, Lockdown Mode limits certain features and reduces the attack surfacecisa.gov. To enable, update your device to iOS 16 or later, then go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode.

Android Play Protect: Ensure Google Play Protect is turned on to scan apps for malwarecisa.gov. Avoid sideloading apps from unknown sources.

RCS end‑to‑end encryption: Use messaging apps that support end‑to‑end encryption for Rich Communication Services; Google Messages enables encryption when all participants use the servicecisa.gov.

5. Secure physical access and backups

Use strong passcodes and biometrics

A robust passcode or passphrase is essential. Combine at least six random digits or a longer alphanumeric password. Biometric locks like fingerprint or facial recognition add convenience but should complement—not replace—passcodes. Regularly change your device password and enable auto‑lock after a short timeout. Avoid enabling lock‑screen previews of messages and email, as these can reveal sensitive informationtsapps.nist.gov.

Enable remote tracking and remote wipe

Use Find My Device on iOS or Android to locate lost devices and remotely wipe data if necessary. Regularly back up important data to secure cloud storage or an encrypted external drive. SolutionsReview recommends enabling device‑tracking features and backing up data to recover quickly from loss or theftsolutionsreview.com.

For a detailed look into backup strategies, see our article on Data Backup Best Practices.

6. Implement enterprise mobility management (EMM) and zero‑trust policies

For organizations, device security must scale beyond individual settings. NIST SP 800‑124r2 describes several management technologies:

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM): EMM solutions combine mobile device management, mobile application management and mobile threat defense. They allow administrators to enforce policies, configure devices remotely, deploy apps, monitor compliance and wipe lost devices. NIST notes that secure containers can isolate enterprise data, enforce policy and detect non‑conformancetsapps.nist.gov.

Mobile application vetting (MAV): Use MAV tools to scan apps for vulnerabilities and malicious code before deployment. EMM can integrate with MAV to automatically remove malicious apps and notify administratorstsapps.nist.gov.

Mobile threat defense (MTD): MTD tools detect network‑, app‑ and platform‑based attacks, phishing and zero‑day exploits. Integrated EMM and MTD systems can disconnect compromised devices, remove malicious apps or apply patchestsapps.nist.gov.

Organizations should develop threat models, using NIST’s Mobile Threat Catalogue to identify risks and decide which isolation mechanisms to deploytsapps.nist.gov. BYOD policies must clearly outline allowed devices, required security controls, update cadence, monitoring and incident response. According to Guardz research, 67 % of enterprises juggle up to five vendors for device managementguardz.com; consolidating platforms reduces complexity and improves visibility.

7. Educate users and foster a security culture

Technology alone cannot stop attacks. Users are often the weakest link: Verizon reports that 34 % of users have clicked phishing links, downloaded malware or revealed passwordsverizon.com. Regular training should cover:

How to recognize phishing and smishing messages.

The importance of verifying the sender before opening attachments or clicking links.

The risks of connecting to public Wi‑Fi and using USB charging stations (juice jacking). Expert Insights notes that 79 % of business travelers plug into public USB charging stations, unknowingly exposing their devicesexpertinsights.com.

The value of locking devices when unattended and reporting lost or stolen devices immediately.

Security awareness isn’t a one‑off event; continuous reinforcement via simulated phishing campaigns and micro‑learning modules helps build lasting habits.

8. Manage BYOD and shadow IT

Bring‑your‑own‑device (BYOD) policies are here to stay, but they introduce complexity. Guardz statistics show 92 % of remote workers use personal devices and 46 % save work files on them. Shadow IT—unsanctioned apps and services—accounts for 30–40 % of IT spending and 59 % of organizations have experienced data loss through cloud‑based shadow ITguardz.com. To mitigate risk:

Define acceptable use: Clarify which personal devices and operating systems are allowed. Require device encryption, up‑to‑date OS versions and installation of enterprise MDM/MTD agents.
Segment networks: Place BYOD devices on separate networks with limited access to corporate resources. Use zero‑trust principles to authenticate and authorize each device and session.
Monitor compliance: Use EMM to track patch status, encryption state and installed apps. Non‑compliant devices should be quarantined until remediated.
Educate employees: Explain why certain apps are banned and encourage the use of approved alternatives.

By enforcing these measures, organizations reduce the attack surface while preserving employee flexibility.

Future trends in device security

The security landscape evolves rapidly. Several emerging trends will shape device protection over the next few years:

Zero‑trust architecture: Rather than assuming devices inside the network are trusted, zero‑trust continuously verifies the identity, health and authorization of every device and user. With hybrid work and cloud adoption, zero‑trust becomes essential.

Hardware‑rooted security: Secure enclaves, Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) and hardware security modules (HSMs) underpin features like FIDO keys, secure boot and measured attestation. Newer devices incorporate these features to withstand sophisticated attackscisa.gov.

AI‑driven threat detection: Attackers increasingly employ artificial intelligence to craft convincing phishing messages and discover vulnerabilities. Security vendors respond with AI‑driven endpoint detection and response (EDR) that detect anomalies in device behaviour. Guardz notes that 67 % of managed service providers experienced AI‑borne threats in the past yearguardz.com.

Privacy‑preserving technologies: Regulations like GDPR and Ghana’s Data Protection Act encourage privacy by design. Features such as Apple’s Private Relay and Android’s Private DNS show a shift toward protecting metadatacisa.govcisa.gov.

Passkeys and passwordless authentication: Supported by FIDO 2/WebAuthn, passkeys allow users to log into apps and websites using a device’s local biometric authentication, eliminating passwords. Expect passkeys to gain mainstream adoption as platforms like Google and Apple integrate them.

Staying informed about these trends and adopting new technologies promptly will help you remain one step ahead of attackers.

Conclusion

Our digital lives revolve around smartphones, laptops and tablets. These devices hold personal photos, financial details, medical records and the keys to corporate networks. Threat actors know that compromising an endpoint often provides the easiest path into an organization. The evidence is overwhelming: as many as 90 % of successful cyber‑attacks start at endpoint devicesverizon.com, and 68 % of organizations have already experienced such an attackexpertinsights.com.

The good news is that you can dramatically reduce your exposure by implementing the best practices outlined in this guide. Use phishing‑resistant FIDO authentication, store your credentials in a password manager, and migrate away from SMS‑based MFAcisa.gov. Encrypt your communications and your devicessource.android.com. Keep your software and hardware up‑to‑date. Review app permissions, use secure DNS and enable platform‑specific protections. Manage devices centrally with EMM and MTD systemstsapps.nist.gov tsapps.nist.gov, and nurture a culture of security awareness.

Device security is not a one‑time project; it requires continuous vigilance, user education and an openness to adopt emerging technologies. By following the recommendations in this guide, you can protect your digital world and empower your organization to thrive securely.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the most secure way to log into my accounts?

Use phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA)—specifically FIDO security keys or passkeys (WebAuthn). They resist credential phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Enroll passkeys/security keys on important accounts first (email, bank, cloud storage).
Avoid SMS codes and only use app-based one-time codes as a fallback when passkeys aren’t supported.
Pair with a password manager to generate unique passwords until every account supports passkeyscisa.gov.

Are personal VPNs safe for everyday use?

VPNs shift trust from your ISP to the VPN provider. For personal browsing, prioritize HTTPS-everywhere, end-to-end encrypted messaging, and a reputable encrypted/protective DNS resolver. Use a VPN when required (e.g., corporate access) or for specific use cases (untrusted networks) and choose standards-based, well-maintained solutionscisa.gov.

How often should I update my device?

Enable automatic updates for your OS, browsers, and apps. If auto-update isn’t available, check at least weekly and apply updates promptly. Organizations should follow a formal patch management process: inventory, prioritize, pilot test critical updates, deploy broadly, and verify installation. Newer hardware often brings stronger security features (e.g., secure enclaves, biometric protections)cisa.gov.

What is SIM swapping and how can I prevent it?

SIM swapping happens when an attacker convinces your carrier to move your number to their SIM, letting them intercept calls and codes.

Set a carrier account PIN and enable port-out/number transfer protection with your mobile provider.
Use FIDO passkeys/security keys so you’re not reliant on SMS codes.
Turn on alerts from your carrier for SIM or port-out changes; act immediately on unexpected noticescisa.gov.

Should I use antivirus software on my smartphone?

Modern mobile operating systems have built‑in malware defenses (e.g., Google Play Protect, Apple’s App Store reviews). However, third‑party mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions can provide additional protection such as network threat detection and phishing alertstsapps.nist.gov. Corporate environments should deploy MTD as part of an EMM strategy. Regularly update your device, avoid sideloading apps and only install apps from official storestsapps.nist.gov.

How can small businesses manage BYOD securely?

Create a clear BYOD policy and enforce it with EMM/MDM (device encryption, screen-lock/MFA, OS version minimums, app controls). Add MTD for threat detection, network segmentation for personal devices, protective/encrypted DNS, and regular security awareness training. Limit tool sprawl—consolidated platforms improve visibility and compliance reportingguardz.com.

By following the advice in this guide and regularly reviewing your security practices, you will build a robust defense against digital threats. For more insights and detailed articles on cybersecurity, explore our Cybersecurity Essentials and Mobile Security Guide. Empower yourself with knowledge, and let’s create a safer digital future together.

This article is designed to provide actionable insights and practical advice on device security best practices. For personalized security recommendations, consider consulting a cybersecurity professional.