Device onboarding is the process of securely enrolling a new device into an organization’s systems and defining how it will be configured, managed, updated, monitored, and eventually retired. It may include assigning an owner, setting administrator access, applying approved software, and placing the device on an appropriate network.
In cyber security, consistent onboarding helps prevent unmanaged devices, default credentials, and missed updates from becoming weak points. For a payment terminal, for example, onboarding should establish who can administer it, how remote support works, and how it is isolated from other business systems. Attackers can exploit gaps when devices are installed or connected without these safeguards; defenders reduce that risk with documented procedures and verification before the device enters production.