What to do if a work laptop or phone is lost or stolen

Right away

1. Tell IT immediately, even if you think it might turn up. A device can be locked and later unlocked; data that has been copied cannot be taken back.
2. Tell IT what was on it: email, client files, saved passwords, banking apps.
3. Report a theft to the police and get a report number. Insurers usually need it.

What IT can do

If the device was set up with device management, IT can:

• Locate it, if location is turned on.
• Lock it and show a contact message on screen.
• Wipe it remotely, either fully or just the work data on a personal phone.
• Sign out your accounts everywhere and reset passwords.

Why encryption matters

If the laptop’s drive is encrypted, a thief who removes it cannot read anything without your sign-in. Without encryption, anyone can pull the drive and copy the files. Check that every work laptop is encrypted before one goes missing.

Afterward

• Change passwords saved in the browser on that device.
• Watch for unexpected sign-in alerts.
• Get a replacement set up from your normal standard, so you are back to work quickly.