94% of Remote Companies Faced Device Theft: Here’s How to Stop It

Device security is more critical—and overlooked—than ever. In this episode, Marc Aflalo is joined by Kensington Sales Engineer Matt Sumner to unpack the alarming results of a new global study on physical device theft and discuss simple solutions that could save organizations millions. As hybrid work continues to rise, so do the risks of physical device theft. Matt Sumner breaks down Kensington’s latest security study, which found that up to 94% of fully remote organizations have experienced device theft. From stolen laptops in coffee shops to sensitive data left exposed on planes, physical security is often ignored until it’s too late. Marc and Matt explore the real-world costs of device loss—including reputational damage, legal fines, and operational downtime—and offer practical solutions like cable locks and privacy screens. They also talk about evolving device form factors, how lock tech has adapted over time, and why even a $30 lock can prevent a $5 million breach. Plus, some rapid-fire questions reveal the craziest places people have left devices and the top excuses for skipping basic security. [Chapters] 0:00 – Intro & banter 0:25 – Why Kensington conducted the device security study 1:02 – Rise in physical theft in hybrid work models 2:15 – Stats: 76% overall, 94% in remote orgs 3:00 – Why physical security is an afterthought 4:00 – The risk of visual hacking in public spaces 6:09 – Real-world impact: breach costs, GDPR fines, downtime 7:30 – Reputational damage and legal fallout 8:49 – Why people ignore physical locks despite awareness 10:03 – Execs vs. mid-level awareness of risks 10:42 – What a good lock costs 11:11 – First steps to improve physical security 11:45 – How Kensington lock tech has evolved 13:00 – Why biometric locks aren’t mainstream (yet) 13:46 – Using locks in coffee shops and public spaces 14:17 – Rapid-fire: most ridiculous places devices were lost 15:44 – Travel tips for protecting devices 16:14 – Should locks be mandatory? (Spoiler: yes) 16:49 – Wrap-up & where to learn more 👉 Protect your tech and your data—like, comment, and subscribe for more security tips and interviews with industry experts. #DeviceSecurity #KensingtonLocks #HybridWorkSecurity #LaptopTheftPrevention #PrivacyScreen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices