Device security failures are costing organizations $8.6 billion annually, highlighting an urgent need for procurement teams to adopt security-first strategies. With the right approach, procurement can shift from being a cost center to a critical line of defense against growing cyber threats.
The Financial Impact of Neglecting Device Security
End-user devices—laptops, desktops, and printers—are vital tools in modern businesses, but they also represent significant vulnerabilities. When security is an afterthought in procurement, these devices can become the weakest links in an organization’s IT infrastructure. HP’s latest findings make the stakes clear: $8.6 billion is lost every year due to security breaches originating from device vulnerabilities.
These losses are not abstract—they manifest as operational downtime, regulatory fines, data theft, and the kind of reputational damage that makes headlines. In many cases, the root cause is short-term decision-making in procurement. Organizations prioritizing upfront cost savings over long-term resilience are effectively gambling with their security, often at a far greater expense in the end.
Procurement’s Role: The Gatekeeper of Security
Procurement is uniquely positioned to address this challenge but must move beyond its traditional role. Historically, the focus has been on cutting costs and negotiating supplier contracts with savings in mind. While this has its place, today’s cybersecurity landscape demands a more nuanced approach. Procurement must embed security as a non-negotiable criterion in the selection and management of suppliers.
This requires working closely with IT and security teams to define what “secure by design” really means for the organization. Devices must come equipped with robust built-in protections, such as secure boot processes, encrypted firmware, and automated malware detection. Vendors should also be held to strict compliance standards, with certifications like ISO 27001 forming the baseline rather than the aspiration.
The Short-Term vs. Long-Term Trade-Off
One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is prioritizing cost savings over security. On paper, a cheaper device might seem like a win, but over time, the costs of breaches, data loss, and reputational recovery can dwarf the initial savings. Procurement must shift its perspective from focusing solely on price to evaluating the total cost of ownership.
This means considering not only the immediate financial outlay but also the longer-term implications of device vulnerabilities. Investing in secure, resilient devices upfront might cost more initially, but it prevents costly breaches and reduces operational disruptions down the line. Security is not a luxury; it’s a cost-saving measure in disguise.
Technology Alone Isn’t Enough
While advanced tools and technologies are essential for securing devices, they aren’t a silver bullet. Too often, organizations rely on software-based solutions to protect systems while ignoring the deeper vulnerabilities at the hardware and firmware levels.
Procurement must account for these gaps when sourcing devices. It’s not enough for a supplier to promise security; they need to demonstrate transparency in their manufacturing processes, software integrations, and patch management protocols. Devices with automated firmware updates, built-in malware detection, and real-time threat monitoring capabilities should be prioritized. These measures reduce the reliance on human vigilance, which is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Shifting Procurement from Reactive to Proactive
Organizations need to view procurement not as a transactional function but as a strategic partner in cybersecurity. This shift requires rethinking how procurement integrates with IT and security teams. Instead of waiting for breaches to expose vulnerabilities, procurement must proactively audit supplier capabilities, evaluate long-term security risks, and enforce compliance with global standards.
Collaboration is essential. Procurement, IT, and security teams must align on priorities, ensuring that every device entering the organization meets stringent security specifications. Without this alignment, gaps will persist, and procurement decisions will continue to leave organizations vulnerable.
Rethinking the Role of Procurement
Device security isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership. Procurement has a responsibility to lead the charge, transforming how organizations think about device acquisition and management. This means asking the hard questions: Are our suppliers truly secure, or are we settling for the cheapest option? Are we prioritizing long-term resilience over short-term savings?
Failing to consider these questions isn’t just negligent; it’s costly. The billions lost each year to device security failures should be a wake-up call for organizations to act. Procurement isn’t just buying laptops or printers—it’s building the foundation of a secure, resilient IT infrastructure.
Prioritizing Security: A Non-Negotiable for Procurement
Here’s the bottom line: security can’t be an afterthought in procurement anymore. Every device you bring into your organization is a potential entry point for a breach. The stakes are high—this isn’t just about IT systems or data, it’s about protecting your company’s reputation, its financial health, and the trust of the people who rely on you, whether they’re customers, employees, or partners.
Procurement has the power to make a real difference here. By weaving security into every decision—from choosing suppliers to evaluating hardware—you’re not just avoiding risks; you’re building a foundation for long-term success.
The real question isn’t whether prioritizing security is worth it. It’s this: can you afford the cost of ignoring it? The answer is clear, and it’s time to act.
