Newer Mobile Devices And Security Policy

The popularity of iPads and iPhones have invaded the workplace in a great way. They bring a large amount of productivity, especially as more and more applications are being created for the devices. Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, cloud based applications, note taking and outline solutions, and more assist in completing the user’s daily responsibilities. And let us not forget the games, entertainment, utilities, educational applications, lifestyle solutions, and other software that can be found.

From a security perspective, IT data centers prefer users employ a BlackBerry because of its ability to control the data inherent on the mobile devices. Android phones and iPhones do not lend this ease, but it can not be denied its place in the enterprise or organization, especially if the business has found a solid reason to use the devices with a return on investment. Therefore, IT data centers will have to find solutions to increase the security of the devices.

Users are known for moving ahead and utilizing hardware and software without thinking of or considering the ramifications and consequences. And businesses have a difficult time to halt the practice, if they can at all. As soon as the latest and newest device hits the market, users will bring it to work, access email and proceed forward with other applications, without a knowledge of the secure features if they exist or if they are turned on. Where a BlackBerry was marketed as a business device, the iPhone is primarily a consumer mobile device, with business capabilities. This is an area where user education and training is needed to tutor users in the configurations of their devices, and how to use them in a safe and secure manner.

If a remote device fits your infrastructure, then by all means it should be used. Training, the onsite information professional, or data center must involve the organization in security best practices. As the devices are a part of our professional culture, new policies should be drawn up to protect the organization against possible legalities should confidential and proprietary data become public. Even the service provider of a device has to be considered, as their security practices may become a weak link in your security measures.

There are some enterprises, such as banking, finance, military , the healthcare industry and other classified structures that must take a closer look at mobile devices. There are many security issues that should be addressed before mobile device utilization becomes official. Passcodes and related passwords should be strong enough to withstand hacking. Hardware encryption should be strong enough to decrease the chances of data decryption should someone enter the hardware. A problem of mobile devices remains the inability to perform wireless software updates should a security fix or issue appear. While updates are passed through the iTunes application in a USB tethered mode, the mobile devices operate as the root user with all administrative privileges available. Just like a computer that provides complete access to the entire system in an admin capacity, phones and mobile devices act the same. Everything in your chosen device, from emails, your personal and professional contacts, notes, who you called and who called you, SMS messages and pictures send and received, your voicemail, saved voice messages, web sites you visit and more instantly become someone else’s property. Another thought to consider, if the device is lost of stolen, all of the stored business and personal information is open to the public.

In the end, organizations should have some sort of mobile device management scheme or compliance policies in force, if they want to lessen the impact should a device fall into a less than desirable situation. A CISSP boot camp is a perfect environment to learn how to protect your personal and professional data. Environmental security, organizational security, telecommunications, access control, business continuity, disaster recovery, security risk management and more is available in an information security boot camp. Understanding the many threats and methods to mitigate them is the first step forward towards a more secure infrastructure. K Alliance is a source of informative data security training, leading to certification, a rewarding career with many global opportunities, and recognition of a field in great demand. Don’t hesitate to join the professionals protecting enterprises and governments from an increasing, growing threat.

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