Smart End-User Computing Strategies for Rapidly Growing Teams

End-user computing (EUC) is often treated as a usability issue, something that affects speed, satisfaction or productivity. But in 2025, a poor EUC experience is becoming a clear security liability. A recent survey revealed that 67% of IT leaders admit they don’t have full visibility over all devices in their organisation, making hidden endpoints and workarounds easier to exploit. The same survey also reports 64% of organisations discovered new, unapproved tools being used in the past year. Meanwhile, legacy systems still sit in many environments, creating ripe opportunities for attackers.

If your device policies frustrate users, you’re not just losing productivity. You’re risking inconsistent security, unauthorised access and long-term vulnerability. Here’s why neglected EUC environments are putting businesses in real danger, and what you can do about it.

Outdated Systems Invite Attackers

Legacy devices and unsupported operating systems remain one of the simplest ways for cybercriminals to gain access. Unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate, leaving gaps that are difficult to close, particularly in environments with high staff turnover or remote teams. An outdated laptop in a branch or store can quickly become the weakest link, and once an attacker is inside, visibility drops and remediation becomes extremely difficult and time consuming.

Here’s what you can do: Establish regular device refresh cycles and automate patching across the estate. Remote monitoring tools ensure every endpoint is visible and up to date, even outside the office. Pay particular attention to end-of-life systems, which no longer receive security updates and can expose your entire environment to risk. If you are still running Windows 10, now is the time to plan ahead.

Also read: Windows 10 End-of-Life: 5-Step Plan to a Seamless Windows 11 Migration

Security and Experience Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

Security that gets in the way of day-to-day work often pushes employees to bypass it. The most effective protections are those that run quietly in the background, keeping systems safe without disrupting productivity. When this balance is missing, IT teams face more password resets, patching gaps and support tickets than they can handle, which only increases risk exposure.

Here’s what you can do: Focus on delivering a smooth, user-friendly experience that bakes in security. Automate updates, provide self-service support and keep access processes simple but safe. A consistent experience encourages employees to follow policy and frees IT teams to focus on proactive improvements instead of constant firefighting.

Standardise Without Slowing Teams Down

As teams grow, so does the variety of devices, apps and workflows. Without clear standards, IT ends up managing a patchwork of tools that are difficult to secure and even harder to support. The result is more time spent firefighting and more room for error. Inconsistent device setups and app usage also make it easier for security policies to be bypassed, creating blind spots for IT teams.

Here’s what you can do: Standardise device types, approved apps and access methods to create consistency without limiting flexibility. Employees still get the tools they need, but IT gains visibility, control and the ability to scale support more effectively.

Support Users Wherever They Work

Growth rarely happens in one place. New offices, remote staff and frontline employees across multiple sites all need the same quality of support. If IT systems and processes are not designed with mobility in mind, user experience can vary widely and security gaps start to appear. Remote workers on unmonitored devices or store staff using outdated kit quickly become the weak links.

Here’s what you can do: Prioritise consistency in your EUC strategy. Centralised monitoring, remote device management and cloud-first tools ensure every employee, whether in-store, at a desk or working remotely, gets the same secure and reliable experience.

Fixing Experience Is Fixing Security

Poor end-user computing experience is more than an IT inconvenience. It creates cracks in security and makes it harder for IT teams to stay in control. Modernising EUC is about building an environment where secure behaviour is the easiest option and where every device and user can be managed with confidence.

At Retail Assist, we help businesses design and run EUC strategies that are fast, consistent and secure. From device management and access control to remote monitoring and user support, we provide the structure that growing businesses need to reduce risk and keep teams productive. Want to see how better EUC could strengthen your security posture?

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