Hand held gadgets and security

I reckon a lot of people reading this blog have probably got a handheld smart phone or other device capable of browsing the internet and collecting emails. I know I have and it is very useful when I am travelling.

The downside of such convenience is the security risk they pose.

A recent survey by a company called Credant Technologies revealed that 94% of security professionals believed these to be more of a security threat than memory sticks or laptop computers. More worryingly out of the security professionals interviewed 56% admitted to not bothering to use a password on their handheld gadget – the most basic form of security you can get.

If the people charged with securing our systems can’t be bothered with passwords then how can humble users be persuaded?

Here are some ideas for helping you secure your data on the move;

• Limit those in the business who have access to data whilst being out and about
• Decide what data should be made available, maybe just allow email to be used
• Insist that every gadget is protected with a password (maybe take a look at the team’s gadgets occasionally to make sure passwords are still being used)
• Make sure crucial data is backed up on a regular basis. This may be hourly, daily or weekly depending on what the data is
• Take a note of any serial numbers or mobile phone identification numbers so that the gadget can be disabled quickly if it is lost
• Mark the gadget using an invisible UV marker pen that can be used to identify its owner if it is lost

We all make mistakes and forget or lose items. What we need to do is minimise any problems that arise from a lost gadget so the problem can be addressed quickly.

These guides explore mobile data security issues in more detail;

Remote data access

Using a PC on the move

Securing your data while travelling

Preventing hardware theft          

Mr BITG, Virtual Director, Business IT Guide