It’s officially fall. And with fall comes football season. And with football season… comes fantasy football.

While I was at the coffee shop today, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were glued to their phones and laptops — talking about who to start at quarterback, what team to bet on, and furiously updating their lineups.

As I watched, one thought crossed my mind:

How many of those devices are company-issued?

The Overlooked Risk of Company Devices

If you’re an employer — whether you have five employees or five hundred — and you provide laptops or mobile phones for work use, it’s worth asking:

Do you really want your company devices being used for things like fantasy football, online betting, or personal gaming?

Beyond productivity concerns, there’s a serious cybersecurity angle here. Those fantasy sports platforms, betting apps, and community forums aren’t always the most secure. Employees visiting those sites on a work device could be exposing your company’s data to malware, phishing attempts, or data leaks — all while trying to swap out the Green Bay Packers’ defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers’.

Why You Need a Clear Device-Use Policy

If your company doesn’t already have a policy in place outlining what employees can and can’t do on company-issued technology, now’s the time to create one.

A clear, written policy helps:

• Protect your network from unnecessary exposure.
  
• Reduce legal and compliance risks tied to inappropriate or unsafe use.
  
• Set expectations so employees know what’s acceptable during work hours (and on work devices).
  

It doesn’t have to be complicated — just clear, consistent, and enforced.

A Simple Step Toward Stronger Security

As an insurance guy, I’ve seen firsthand how one small oversight — like an unsecured login on a fantasy sports site — can lead to costly consequences for a business.

So while I finish my cup of coffee and enjoy the crisp fall air, here’s my advice:

Take a look at your company’s device-use policy (or create one if it doesn’t exist yet). It’s a small step that can save you from a big headache later.

Until next time — stay smart, stay secure, and enjoy the season.