Device provisioning is the process of issuing and preparing a work device for an approved user. In practice, that can include enrolling the laptop in management tools, installing security software, applying encryption and access policies, and attaching the device to the user’s account, certificates, or single sign-on profile.
In cyber security, provisioning matters because it is the point where a physical device becomes a trusted corporate endpoint. If an attacker impersonates a new hire, intercepts shipping, or exploits a weak help desk process, they may receive a device that already trusts the organization. Strong defenses bind provisioning to identity proofing, use device attestation and inventory tracking, require secure enrollment, and revoke access quickly when a device is lost, replaced, or issued incorrectly.