How to Ensure IT Device Lifecycle Security?

Modern organizations procure, manage, and eventually dispose of large quantities of various IT devices. Each stage of a device’s lifecycle involves numerous risks that can lead to significant security challenges.

In this post, we’ll go through how to keep IT devices secure at every stage of their lifecycle and how the NIS2 Directive impacts this process.

IT device security begins at procurement

IT device security starts at the procurement phase. It is crucial to acquire devices with robust security features in place. Additionally, registering devices immediately in the company’s asset register ensures that every device remains under the organization’s control throughout its lifecycle. Ideally, suppliers could register devices directly into the company’s asset management solution.

Delaying registration to later stages of the lifecycle often results in devices being excluded from the register. Devices left outside the asset management can be difficult to locate later, leading to various security risks, additional search efforts, and challenges in recycling processes.

Ensure efficient and secure use of devices

The management of in-use devices involves monitoring, security updates, inventory, user change management, and interim storage. Without proper asset management processes, devices may go missing, and their security could be compromised. This is especially critical in remote work scenarios, where devices move between various locations and may be left at offices without proper check-in.

Manually updated device inventory do not provide real-time data and almost inevitably lead to security issues over time. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an up-to-date asset inventory and receive automated alerts about potential problems.

Don’t forget recycling

When devices reach the end of their life, secure erasure and recycling for reuse are critical. The recycling process for company-owned devices is often manual and may be overlooked. In contrast, leased devices are typically returned more reliably, as failure to do so incurs ongoing costs for the organization.

Whether dealing with owned or leased devices, decommissioning processes must comply with security standards. For owned devices, certified recycling services should be utilized. For leased devices, ensure the leasing company’s processes align with your organization’s security standards.

Impact of the NIS2 directive on IT device lifecycle management

The NIS2 Directive, which came into effect this year, introduced new cybersecurity requirements for organizations, including IT device management. The directive particularly emphasizes the responsibility of critical sector organizations to ensure security across their entire IT infrastructure.

In practice, this means documenting each phase of a device’s lifecycle – from procurement to disposal – and conducting appropriate risk assessments.

Modern asset management solutions keep devices secured

IT device management encompasses more than just operational control. A device’s lifecycle begins with procurement and ends with disposal. To maintain control throughout the lifecycle, organizations need a comprehensive asset management. A modern asset management operates with automation, eliminating manual data entry and automating lifecycle management processes.

Moreover, asset management solutions can offer various integrations, enabling procurement, management, and recycling through a single software platform.