Guide
Pegasus & Mobile Spyware: How Companies Protect Company Devices While Traveling or at Events
Pegasus & Mobile Spyware: How Companies Protect Work Devices While Traveling
Whether it’s a business trip, trade show, conference, roadshow, or international customer event: By 2026, mobile devices will be indispensable tools for sales, management, project teams, and event staff. At the same time, smartphones and tablets are more vulnerable than ever when traveling. Professional mobile spyware such as Pegasus, in particular, has prompted many companies to reevaluate their mobile security strategies. After all, anyone who wants to protect company devices while traveling must do more today than simply activate a screen lock and recommend a VPN.
The risk increases significantly, especially in the B2B environment. Employees navigate external networks, use devices under time pressure, charge batteries at public charging stations, connect to hotel Wi-Fi networks, or work with sensitive customer and company data at trade shows. Added to this are targeted attacks on executives, sales teams, IT administrators, event crews, and project managers. Mobile devices are not just communication tools, but also store emails, login credentials, customer data, messaging histories, two-factor authentication tokens, cloud access credentials, documents, and location information.
For companies, this means that anyone planning to use mobile devices for travel and events must consider security from the very beginning. This applies to the selection of devices as well as their configuration, management, transport, duration of use, and return. This is particularly relevant for companies that do not purchase mobile devices on a permanent basis but instead flexibly use them for temporary use through rental services. Professionally prepared Apple iPhones for rental or standardized tablets can be secured before use, managed centrally, and reset to factory settings after the event.
Why Pegasus and Similar Spyware Are Relevant to Businesses
Pegasus is the best-known form of sophisticated mobile spyware. Such tools were originally associated primarily with state-sponsored or highly professional attacks. However, the overall threat landscape for businesses has since broadened. Even if not every company becomes a direct target of a Pegasus-like operation, these cases have demonstrated just how sophisticated mobile attacks have become.
Depending on the method of attack and device vulnerabilities, modern spyware can, among other things, access the following data or monitor the following activities: messages, microphone, camera, contacts, location, files, calendar, passwords, or authentication data. What makes this particularly problematic is that many mobile attacks are virtually invisible to users. In some cases, all it takes is a malicious message, a compromised website, a malicious link, or the exploitation of previously unknown security vulnerabilities.
This is a critical issue for companies because work devices are often used in particularly vulnerable situations while traveling. Executives negotiate confidential matters abroad, sales teams access CRM data, event staff scan attendee information, and project managers coordinate using sensitive documents. Mobile spyware thus affects not only individual devices but potentially the entire corporate network, partner relationships, and compliance requirements.
Why Travel, Trade Shows, and Events Pose an Increased Risk
Security conditions change drastically when on the go. Devices are more often left unattended, unlocked more frequently, charged in unfamiliar environments, connected to different networks, and used by stressed teams. Added to this is increased visibility: At events, it’s often easy to tell which company someone belongs to, what role they play, and which devices they’re using. For attackers, this is valuable information.
- Open or compromised networks: Hotel Wi-Fi networks, trade show Wi-Fi networks, or public hotspots can be exploited for man-in-the-middle attacks, phishing, or traffic manipulation.
- Physical access: Devices are left unattended for a short time in a taxi, at check-in, in a conference room, or at a trade show booth.
- Charging Infrastructure: Public USB charging points and unknown cables pose risks of data access or device tampering.
- Social Engineering: At events, employees can easily be approached, observed, or deliberately drawn into attacks.
- Heavy workload: When under time pressure, security alerts are overlooked, updates are postponed, or policies are circumvented.
Companies that want to protect company devices while traveling therefore need a security strategy designed for real-world conditions, not just everyday office use.
Which mobile devices are particularly at risk
In everyday life, many people think of smartphones first. But in practice, the risk extends to many more types of devices. Tablets used for presentations, rugged devices for logistics or field use, mobile routers, scanners, event check-in systems, or temporarily deployed laptops can also serve as entry points. Devices that are used by multiple people while traveling or handed out on a short-term basis to external service providers, hostesses, technical teams, or event crews are particularly critical.
This highlights a key advantage of professionally provided rental devices. Instead of using personal devices or devices that are permanently customized, companies can utilize a standardized, controlled pool of devices. This reduces uncertainty, simplifies security measures, and creates transparency. For many events and business trips, Apple iPads with rental options are in particularly high demand because they can be used flexibly for presentations, data collection, and check-in processes.
The Most Important Security Measures for Businesses in 2026
An effective security strategy consists of multiple layers. No single measure is sufficient on its own. The key is a combination of secure hardware, up-to-date software, centralized management, restricted access rights, and organizational policies.
| Precaution | Why It’s Important | Practical benefits when traveling and at events |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Device Management | Centralized management of policies, apps, locks, and wipes | Devices can be secured in advance and locked immediately if lost |
| Current Operating Systems and Patches | Known vulnerabilities are patched | Significantly reduces the attack surface during extended trips |
| App Whitelisting | Only approved applications may be used | Ideal for events, sales campaigns, and temporary project teams |
| Strong Authentication | Protects accounts and corporate access | Especially important for cloud services, email, and CRM access |
| Containers or Work Profiles | Separation of business and personal data | Useful for mixed usage scenarios and external teams |
| Disabled Unnecessary Interfaces | Reduced vulnerability via Bluetooth, USB, or short-range wireless | Convenient for trade shows, hotels, and transit routes |
| Remote Wipe and Device Lock | Quick Response in Case of Loss or Suspicion | Minimizes damage in the event of theft or if the device is left behind |
| Temporary Usage Profiles | Devices are activated only for a specific purpose | Perfect for roadshows, promotions, and international events |
Zero-click attacks and why traditional caution alone isn’t enough
For a long time, many security training programs focused on phishing links and suspicious attachments. While this remains important, it will no longer be sufficient in 2026. Sophisticated mobile attacks can be designed so that users don’t even have to actively click anything. This is what made Pegasus particularly notorious internationally. Companies should draw the right lesson from this: user education remains important, but technical hardening is indispensable.
This includes maintaining an up-to-date patch status, enforcing restrictive app permissions, securing communication channels, disabling unnecessary features, and minimizing local data storage. Anyone who wants to protect work devices while traveling should also establish clear guidelines regarding which data actually needs to be accessible on mobile devices. Not every piece of information belongs on every device.
Why Renting Equipment Is Often the Safer Choice for Travel and Events
Out of habit, many companies rely on permanently assigned devices or allow mixed models. This isn’t always ideal for temporary use. Especially when traveling, at trade shows, and at events, rental of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices offers significant advantages.
Instead of relying on heterogeneous hardware of varying ages and with individual configurations, companies can order standardized devices with a defined security profile for a specific use case. Those who opt for the latest models can, for example, use an iPhone 17 for rental purposes to ensure a modern operating system, a uniform device base, and clearly defined rollout processes for teams.
These devices can be preloaded with the necessary apps, access restrictions, kiosk mode settings, SIM configurations, or MDM policies. After use, they are professionally reset and prepared for the next assignment.
This is not only efficient, but also reduces risks. A controlled device pool is often the safer choice, especially for international assignments, short-term projects, event staff, external teams, or executive support. For roles where security is particularly critical, rental of an iPhone 17 Pro may be considered when a high-quality, high-performance, and easily manageable device class is required.
Best Practices Before Your Trip
Security measures don’t begin at the airport, but during the preparation phase. Companies should never hand out travel devices on the spur of the moment, but should follow a set procedure.
- Select devices based on their intended use: Provide only the hardware that is actually needed for the task.
- Apply the principle of minimalism: Enable only the necessary apps, data, and access.
- Check for updates: Fully update your operating system, apps, and security settings.
- Enable MDM and remote access: Prepare for device lock, location tracking, inventory, and remote wipe.
- Planning Your Network and Roaming: Safe cell phone use is often better than uncontrolled Wi-Fi use.
- Provide users with a brief training session: Conduct a concise briefing on charging behavior, networks, screen lock, and reporting procedures.
Especially for teams participating in event series or traveling regularly, it’s worth establishing standardized travel kits. These should include, for example, ruggedized smartphones, compatible chargers, power banks from a trusted source, privacy screens, secure SIM cards, and, if needed, mobile routers. For predictable connectivity in the field, a 1-GB data SIM card, for example, can be useful if devices are to be operated specifically via cellular networks rather than open Wi-Fi networks.
Safety Precautions During Travel and Events
Technology can only provide effective protection if the processes are in place. During use, companies should ensure that clear rules of conduct are followed. These include consistently locking the screen, not using unknown USB cables, not logging in through questionable portals, and not leaving devices unattended. In addition, companies should respond immediately to any unusual behavior, such as battery anomalies, overheating, unexplained data usage, spontaneous reboots, or unusual permission requests.
Especially at trade shows and conferences, it’s also important to consider data flow. When scanning attendee data, entering forms, or displaying presentations, the device should run in a restricted mode whenever possible. Kiosk mode or single-app mode help reduce operational errors and misuse. This is almost always a good idea for devices available for use at the booth or for hostess teams.
What’s Often Forgotten After the Trip
Many security strategies end with the device’s return. Yet that is when a crucial phase begins. Devices should be inspected, access points evaluated, and, in suspicious cases, subjected to forensic analysis. If a device has been used in a high-risk environment, it may be prudent not to simply return it to normal daily use. Instead, a defined return process should be followed.
This includes a visual inspection, a technical analysis of relevant logs, resetting the system to a clean baseline state, and refueling with an approved system configuration. Rental equipment, in particular, offers advantages here once again because it is processed within a structured lifecycle anyway. This is ideal for companies that want to safeguard sensitive projects and avoid carrying over legacy issues on their equipment.
Compliance, Data Protection, and Corporate Responsibility
Anyone who wants to protect work devices while traveling needs to consider not only cybersecurity, but also data protection, compliance requirements, and internal governance. In many industries—such as consulting, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and the public sector—compromised mobile devices can have significant regulatory consequences. The loss of contact lists, call content, location data, or access tokens may be subject to reporting requirements and could damage a company’s reputation.
That is why companies should firmly integrate mobile security into their travel, event, and project processes. This includes assigning responsibilities, establishing guidelines for high-risk countries, approving sensitive apps, documenting device issuance and return, and defining clear escalation procedures. Here, too, a professional rental partner with standardized rollout and return processes can help when a large number of devices are needed quickly for specific assignments.
Real-world examples where secure rental equipment is particularly useful
- International Trade Shows: Tablets in Kiosk Mode for Lead Generation, Presentations, and Appointment Scheduling
- Executive Travel: Smartphones Prepared Separately with Minimal Data and Restrictive Settings
- Roadshows and Pop-Up Events: Standardized device fleets with preconfigured apps and centralized management
- Temporary Project Teams: Equipment Available on Short Notice Instead of Improvised BYOD Use
- External event crews: Role-based devices without direct full access to internal systems
For companies, this not only improves security but also offers operational benefits. Devices can be requested for the duration of the project, delivered preconfigured, and picked up or returned once the project is complete. This saves internal IT resources and provides greater control over mobile risks.
Depending on the application, it’s worth choosing the right device category: For streamlined trade show setups or data collection, iPad Air M2 11-inch rentals are often sufficient, while for demanding presentations, creative workflows, or high-performance business applications, iPad Pro M4 11-inch rentals can also be a sensible option.
How Companies Should Modernize Their Mobile Security Strategy in 2026
The most important lesson from the discussions surrounding Pegasus and other mobile spyware is this: Mobile security cannot be an afterthought. It requires a dedicated strategy, especially for travel and field operations. Companies should therefore assess whether their current device policies still align with their actual risk profile.
Questions that can help:
Who is traveling with what data? Which devices are actually used at events? Is there an MDM solution for all temporary devices? Are loaner devices prepared according to standardized procedures and securely wiped afterward? Are high-risk trips subject to separate regulations? Are there clear reporting procedures for suspected incidents? How quickly can additional secure devices be procured for an event or a trip abroad?
The last question, in particular, is often underestimated. When additional devices are needed on short notice, companies frequently resort to suboptimal ad-hoc solutions. A specialized B2B rental partner for smartphones, tablets, and mobile technology can be a real source of security here, because availability, standardization, and configuration are all handled professionally by a single provider.
FAQ
What is mobile spyware in a business context?
Mobile spyware is malware that spies on data on smartphones or tablets or monitors functions such as the microphone, camera, messages, and location. This is particularly critical for businesses because it can compromise sensitive business and customer data.
Why do business trips pose a particular risk?
When traveling, devices are used on unfamiliar networks, under time pressure, and often in public settings. This increases the risk of tampering, loss, theft, phishing, and covert attacks.
How can companies protect company devices while traveling?
Through up-to-date software, mobile device management, strong authentication, app restrictions, encrypted connections, clear user guidelines, and devices professionally configured for their specific purpose.
Are rented devices more secure than devices used on a long-term basis?
For many travel and event scenarios, yes. Rental equipment can be preconfigured according to standard specifications, limited to the specific purpose, and professionally reset after use. This reduces uncertainty and simplifies oversight.
What types of equipment are suitable for trade shows and events?
Depending on the application, this may include smartphones, tablets, scanners, mobile routers, or specialized event devices. It is important that they are centrally managed, properly configured, and limited to the necessary set of functions.
When should a company request equipment instead of improvising internally on the spot?
Whenever multiple devices are needed on short notice, international travel is planned, external teams are involved, or a high level of security is required. Submitting a request early significantly improves availability, configuration, and security.
Conclusion
Pegasus has shed light on the issue of mobile attacks, but the real message for businesses goes far beyond that. Mobile devices are a key risk factor when traveling and at events. To protect company-issued devices while traveling in 2026, organizations will need a combination of technology, processes, and appropriate device deployment.
Standardized rental equipment is an ideal solution, especially for temporary assignments, international travel, trade shows, roadshows, and project-based teams. It can be specifically insured, efficiently deployed, and returned in good condition after use. This gives companies not only greater flexibility, but also greater control and security.
If you need mobile devices for business trips, events, or international assignments, it’s worth looking into professionally managed B2B rental solutions. Preconfigured smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices help reduce risks, streamline processes, and get teams up and running quickly. This is a crucial advantage, especially in an environment of growing mobile threats.
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