With personal devices slipping into the workplace unnoticed, businesses are preparing for potential bring-your-own-device (BYOD) bans amid growing concerns over critical security blind spots, according to new research from Kinly.

The AV tech specialist’s latest Trusted Connections Report found that more than half (52%) of organisations are considering a ban on the use of personal devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets for work, with 46% saying that these devices are undermining the security of hybrid working.

After polling more than 400 AV professionals across the UK and Europe, Kinly’s study revealed that three in five businesses (57%) say it’s harder than ever to secure devices used outside the office.

Although most firms (77%) can guarantee strong encryption for in-office equipment, that number drops to just 66% for remote setups, making the security of personal devices and home-based AV equipment a top priority for 30% of organisations in 2025.

A quarter of businesses went as far as to say employee-owned devices are holding them back from achieving their goals, and leaving systems exposed to serious cyber risks, including ransomware attacks, GDPR violations and compliance breaches under regulations like NIS2.

As with shadow IT and shadow AI – both involving the use of unauthorised, unregulated tools for work –  the rise of ‘shadow AV’ is a growing problem, with half (49%) of businesses feeling the security impact.

However, just 46% of AV professionals think that their organisation is taking the security of audio-visual tech seriously enough, despite 79% agreeing that it’s now a crucial part of IT estates. 

“Working in AV, we see and hear the most sensitive conversations that can be had in an organisation. From board strategy, M&As and security risks through to grievances and whistleblowing, we’re privy to it all,” said Don Gibson, chief information security officer at Kinly.

“Unsecured personal devices are the digital equivalent of leaving your front door wide open and hoping no one walks in. They’re unmanaged, unmonitored and opening up serious threats, from ransomware attacks to regulatory fines. 

“If you’re not treating all devices as part of your security perimeter, you’ve already lost control.”

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Although BYOD policies offer both businesses and employees some core benefits, such as more flexible working and lower procurement costs, the use of personal devices comes with acute challenges.

In its official guidance, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre warns that BYOD policies present issues with the security of corporate data and infrastructure, as well as privacy concerns for device owners.

It also means more limited oversight of operating systems by security teams, a potentially critical pitfall, with recent research showing that over 50% of devices run outdated or compromised operating systems, with about a quarter unable to upgrade, leaving them vulnerable to attack.