When a phone gets stolen on the street, it’s frustrating. When a company-issued phone goes missing? That’s a potential data breach, compliance risk, and operational disruption all in one. In these situations, it’s crucial to act quickly to secure accounts and data before sensitive information ends up in the wrong hands.
Mobile devices are now the primary work tool for millions of employees across industries. In fact, over 80% of workers use smartphones for work-related tasks, and more than 50% of corporate data is accessed via mobile devices. That makes each lost or stolen device a high-stakes security event, especially considering the risk of losing a smartphone and the possibility that important information could fall into the wrong hands. Mobile devices now account for nearly 60% of all IT endpoint breaches, making mobile security awareness a critical priority for organizations of all sizes. Using a strong password and regularly updating passwords are essential steps to protect sensitive data on these devices.
Whether it happens during a business trip, in a crowded coworking space, or right outside your office, the physical loss of a device can lead to serious consequences: leaked credentials, exposed emails, lost customer data, and even regulatory penalties. There is also the risk of losing important information and files, such as business documents and personal data, if a device is lost or stolen. Recording your device’s IMEI number and unique serial number is vital for recovery and reporting purposes.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical, scalable strategies for IT teams to protect mobile devices from theft, reduce misuse risks, and implement enterprise-ready tools like Prey to secure mobile fleets. It’s time to move beyond reactive security—and build a proactive phone theft protection plan that works.
Why phone theft is a business problem, not just a personal one
For years, phone theft was treated as a personal inconvenience—annoying, but manageable. But when the phone in question belongs to your company? It becomes a serious security incident. If a stolen phone is not reported and tracked promptly, it can lead to significant business risks, including data breaches and fraud.
Company-issued smartphones and tablets are no longer just communication tools. They’re access points to everything from corporate email accounts and CRM systems to internal documents, cloud storage, and even financial apps. A stolen work phone doesn’t just represent a hardware loss—it can expose your business to data leaks, compliance violations, and financial risk. Enabling theft protection features and security features on all business devices is essential to protect sensitive business data and minimize the impact of device theft.
And with the rise of hybrid workforces and BYOD policies, the attack surface is wider than ever. Employees access sensitive business data from trains, airports, coworking spaces, and home offices—often on unsecured networks and in environments where theft is more likely to occur. This makes additional security and added security measures critical, such as using a password manager to securely manage business account credentials and implementing strong authentication requirements.
Here’s the part that’s hard to ignore:
- A company device is lost or stolen every 53 seconds, according to recent industry reports. And in many cases, businesses don’t have a clear, documented process for responding quickly—leaving data exposed and recovery chances slim.
That’s why mobile device fleet security is no longer optional. Whether your organization has 10 phones or 10,000, the risk is the same—and so is the responsibility to secure work phones from theft before incidents happen.
How to protect company phones from theft (step-by-step guide)
Even with the best tech in place, phone theft can still happen. To minimize risk, it’s crucial to enable security settings and theft protection features on all company devices. Make sure to go to settings to configure device lock and device screen security, so that unauthorized access is prevented if a device is lost or stolen.
Tip: Store the IMEI number for each device in a secure location for future reference—this can help with recovery or reporting if a device goes missing. Consider using a password manager to keep credentials safe.
But by building a clear, proactive strategy, IT teams can reduce the risk and ensure fast, effective responses when incidents occur. Here’s how to protect company phones in a world where devices are always on the move.
Step 1: train your staff to think like security advocates
Your first line of defense isn’t a feature—it’s your people. Employees should be trained to stay alert in high-risk environments like airports, public transit, and cafes. Awareness campaigns, onboarding sessions, and refresher trainings should cover the importance of identity check and preventing unauthorized accessing of company devices.
- How to avoid leaving devices unattended
- Safe storage habits (e.g., inner pockets, anti-theft bags)
- What to do immediately if a device is stolen
- Recognizing social engineering attempts tied to device loss
- Verifying identity through biometrics or passwords before accessing sensitive settings or accounts to ensure only authorized users can make changes
Tip: Run simulated device-loss scenarios to test employee readiness.
Step 2: choose hardware that supports security
Not all phones are created equal. When selecting devices for your team, prioritize models that support:
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition)
- Automatic screen lock timers
- Screen timeout and extending screen timeout as security features
- Built-in encryption and secure boot processes
- Offline device lock and theft detection lock
- Private space for creating a secure area for sensitive data
- Remote management compatibility
These hardware features don’t just improve user experience—they provide a foundational layer of physical protection that can deter theft and prevent unauthorized access.
Step 3: establish behavioral policies that reduce risk
Tech can’t protect against every poor decision. That’s why policy matters. Create clear guidelines for how employees should handle company phones in the field:
- No leaving devices visible in cars or on desks
- Avoid public USB charging stations (risk of juice jacking)
- Mandate encrypted backups and regular OS updates
- Require immediate reporting of lost/stolen phones, and log incidents promptly for security and compliance
- Do not share passwords and always use a strong password or passcode for device access
Include these policies in your official mobile device use agreement, and reinforce them regularly with real-world examples.
Step 4: deploy MDM tools like Prey for real-time control
The best way to protect a mobile device fleet is to be able to see, manage, and secure every device remotely—especially when it goes missing.
With Prey’s mobile device management features, you can:
- Set geofencing alerts for restricted areas
- Enable theft protection features such as device lock and remote wipe
- Lock or wipe devices remotely, including performing a factory reset if recovery is not possible
- Track last known and last location of a device before it goes offline
- Gather audit logs for internal investigations
- Enforce security policies at scale across Android and iOS fleets
If a device is lost or stolen, you can use a computer to remotely manage, lock, or factory reset the device to protect sensitive data.
Real-world scenarios where company devices get stolen
Not every threat to your mobile device fleet is digital. In fact, many of the most damaging incidents happen in broad daylight, in places your team visits every day. If a thief steals a device, there is a significant risk it could be resold or enter the illegal trade of stolen phones and their components. And without the right protections, a single stolen device can turn into a data security crisis. Fortunately, stolen phones can often be disabled or marked as unusable on the network, helping to prevent further misuse.
Here are four common—and costly—scenarios where business phones are frequently lost or stolen.
In-transit theft during employee travel
When employees are on the move—whether it’s a short ride across town or a long-haul international flight—their focus is rarely on device security. Unfortunately, public transportation and busy travel environments are prime opportunities for theft.
Common risk moments include:
- Removing laptops or phones during airport security checks
- Charging devices in public USB ports (which also pose malware risks)
- Being distracted while carrying multiple bags or rushing between gates
- Falling asleep during long rides on trains or buses
- Forgetting to lock your device before travel, increasing the risk if a lost phone occurs
These environments are chaotic, and thieves know it. For IT teams, securing devices used during travel means having location tracking, remote locking, and enforced authentication measures in place—because once the device is gone, it’s too late to guess where it ended up. A lost phone during travel can expose sensitive information such as banking details, photos, and payment data, making it critical to protect personal data and lock your device as soon as possible.
Theft from coworking spaces or office environments
Even within a professional setting, company-issued phones can disappear in seconds. Coworking spaces, in particular, are often bustling with people, many of whom are not part of your team—and may not be accountable for their presence.
Common vulnerabilities include:
- Leaving devices unattended on hot desks
- Charging phones in shared outlets during lunch breaks
- Cleaning staff or external contractors having unsupervised access after hours
- Internal office theft, which is more common than most companies expect
- Leaving files or sensitive information accessible on shared devices
The solution? Clear device handling policies, ID-based office access, and mobile management tools that help you instantly disable or locate a missing phone. Especially in flexible work environments, mobile device fleet security has to go beyond trust—it needs control. Using a password manager can further secure access to shared devices and files, making it easier to protect sensitive information and quickly update credentials if needed.
Field workers leaving devices unattended
Employees working in the field—delivery drivers, maintenance teams, in-home care workers—are especially exposed to theft risks. These are fast-paced environments, and phones often become tools, not valuables, leading to lapses in caution.
Risky moments include:
- Leaving devices inside unlocked service vehicles
- Placing phones on counters or equipment during jobs
- Unattended bags or toolkits in public areas
In these settings, enabling theft protection features and security features on all field devices is essential to safeguard personal and company data. The risk of a stolen phone in the field is high, so employees should be trained to report any stolen phone promptly to minimize potential data breaches and unauthorized access.
Unlike office environments, there’s little security infrastructure in the field. That’s why it’s crucial to prevent mobile device theft at work by training employees on safe handling habits and reinforcing that company phones are gateways to sensitive systems—not just communication tools.
Internal theft or employee misplacement
It’s uncomfortable to consider, but insider incidents happen. From simple forgetfulness to intentional misconduct, not every lost device is caused by someone outside your organization.
Common internal risks include:
- Employees misplacing phones and delaying incident reports
- Team members failing to return devices after termination
- Disgruntled staff taking company phones with access still enabled
- Shared work devices left in unsecured drawers or offices
- Lack of added security and additional security measures on shared or high-risk devices, increasing the risk of unauthorized access
Without strong lost or stolen device policies, these incidents can fly under the radar—until they escalate into serious breaches. Having Prey installed across your fleet gives your IT team immediate visibility into what’s connected, where it is, and how to secure it remotely. Make sure to log all incidents and use device lock features to secure misplaced devices quickly.
Enterprise tools to prevent & respond to theft
Most consumer-grade tools stop at “Find My Phone.” But for organizations managing dozens—or thousands—of mobile devices, you need something more robust. That’s where enterprise-grade Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions come in.
An MDM is your control center for mobile device fleet security. It gives your IT team the visibility, automation, and response capabilities needed to prevent and contain mobile theft incidents at scale.
With Prey’s enterprise mobile theft protection, you gain access to key features like:
- Location TrackingKnow where your devices are in real time or view location history to investigate lost or stolen phones.
- Remote Lock & WipeLock down a compromised device instantly or wipe sensitive data remotely to prevent leaks.
- SIM Change DetectionGet notified immediately when someone swaps out a SIM card—one of the most common tactics thieves use to hide device activity.
- Automated Responses & RulesConfigure rules like geofencing alerts, device check-ins, or custom recovery workflows for different teams or departments.
- Encryption Support & Endpoint Security IntegrationsEnhance your stack by ensuring Prey works alongside your existing data protection and compliance strategies.
- Security Features & Security SettingsEnable advanced security features and manage critical security settings, including Stolen Device Protection and two-factor authentication, to safeguard devices and data.
- Centralized Dashboard for IT TeamsView and manage all devices from one intuitive interface—see status, trigger actions, or generate reports, all in real time.
For added protection, use a password manager to securely store and quickly update device and account credentials, especially in emergency situations.
Always store the IMEI number and unique serial number for all managed devices in a safe, accessible location. This information is vital for tracking, reporting, and recovering lost or stolen smartphones.
Whether you’re in healthcare, logistics, education, or field services, these tools help shift your security posture from reactive to proactive.
Pro tips: physical security measures that actually work
Digital tools are essential—but physical protection still matters. Sometimes, it’s the small habits and simple accessories that make all the difference. Physical measures provide added security and help you act quickly in the event of a stolen phone, reducing the risk of data loss and unauthorized access.
Here are tried-and-tested physical measures that reduce the risk of theft in real-world environments:
Tamper-resistant cases
Equip your fleet with cases that are hard to open, trackable, or even alarm-enabled. These add friction for thieves and help devices stand out when reported missing. Additionally, enable the private space feature on devices to create a separate, locked area for sensitive apps and data, providing extra protection against unauthorized access even if the device is physically compromised.
Cable locks for workstations
If your team uses mobile devices in semi-permanent workstations or shared spaces (e.g., tablets in clinics, iPads in warehouses), secure them with physical locks when unattended—even temporarily. Additionally, enable device lock features to ensure the device screen is automatically secured, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access if the device is left unattended.
Anti-theft backpacks for field teams
For employees who travel or work on-site, provide anti-theft bags with lockable zippers, slash-resistant straps, and secret compartments. The risk of losing a device during travel is significant, so it is important to implement additional security measures, such as using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive data in case of loss or theft. Pair this with awareness training for maximum impact.
Labeling and engraving
Simple, but powerful. Mark company phones with custom engravings or serialized asset tags. This deters resellers and speeds up recovery or internal identification. Additionally, store the IMEI number and unique serial number in a secure location. Safeguarding this information is crucial for tracking, reporting, and recovering lost or stolen devices.
These measures don’t require fancy tech—but they build habits of accountability. When paired with digital protections like Prey, you’re covering every layer of the risk landscape.
How Prey helps IT teams manage theft risk at scale
Protecting 5 devices is easy. Protecting 500? That’s where most tools break down—unless they’re built for scale.
Prey was designed to support organizations that need visibility, automation, and control across entire device fleets—whether your team works in one office or across multiple regions. With Prey, you can centrally manage theft protection features, security features, and security settings to safeguard all devices. Logging incidents is streamlined, and using a password manager is recommended for securely managing credentials across your fleet.
Features that make a difference
- Mass Deployment & Enrollment
Add new devices via MDM, Prey’s installer, or API, and assign them to teams or locations instantly. - Audit Trails & Evidence Reports
Capture location logs, screenshots, camera captures, and session data to investigate or report incidents, including the ability to view the last location before a device goes offline. - Automated Workflows
Set up rules to lock, alert, or wipe devices automatically when suspicious behavior is detected, with advanced options like offline device lock and remote factory reset to safeguard data even if the device is disconnected or stolen. - Smart Groups & Labels
Organize devices by department, role, or region for easier management and policy enforcement. For sensitive actions on managed devices, Prey requires users to verify their identity, utilizing identity check features such as biometrics to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
Real-world case study:
A logistics company with over 300 field workers used Prey to reduce device loss by 62% in just six months—saving both hardware replacement costs and countless hours in manual recovery processes.
And Prey doesn’t just help with theft—it builds trust with your IT team and employees by proving that your organization takes device and data protection seriously.
Final thoughts: security is a shared responsibility
There’s no silver bullet for stopping phone theft completely. But there is a formula for minimizing the damage—and it starts with shared accountability.
IT teams can deploy the best tools in the world, but without employee awareness, clear policies, and physical safeguards, gaps will appear. On the other hand, even the most vigilant staff can’t protect a device if they lack the tech to respond when things go wrong.
The real solution lies in combining:
- People — trained and security-conscious employees
- Process — documented policies and clear reporting protocols
- Technology — smart MDM solutions like Prey to monitor, lock, and recover devices at scale
Device lifecycle management—from procurement to retirement—should include physical theft protection as a key pillar. And it shouldn’t take a major loss for your organization to act.
Start today. Review your current policies. Equip your team. And put the right tools in place to make device theft one less thing you have to worry about.
