Mobile risks highlighted

Firms should enforce security policies on mobile devices and use encryption to cut the risks arising from theft, according to analyst firm Burton Group.

Legal liability for information found on misplaced machines and the increasing number of virus attacks are the main threats, according to the report, Managing and Securing the Mobile Device.

Michael Disabato, service director at Burton Group, recommended data encryption as the mainstay of mobile security.

"A checklist for any mobile use policy should include wireless LANs, public hotspots, home networks, the corporate network, usage of mobile phones and reporting the theft or loss of devices," he said.

Nick Evans, head of mobility at reseller IT Partnerships, said: "There was an initial rush of enthusiasm for wireless, but people are stepping back and looking at what wireless means to their network as a whole."

He added that there were two possible approaches. "The first is to encrypt the data on the device. Another option is to web-enable, so no data is held on the device. Either way, this area is worth getting into for resellers."

ian_lynch@vnu.co.uk

See also:

Greater spotted potential

With hotspots cropping up all over the country mobile computing can be an opportunity for location owners and the channel alike  01 Nov 2004

AppSwing ready to launch into market

Mobile data vendor will target resellers focusing on Citrix  04 May 2004

Firms Wep up security nightmare

Basic wireless encryption standards lull companies into false sense of security, warns survey  24 Nov 2003

Wep gives 'false sense of security'

Wireless Encryption Privacy is simply not up to the job, warns research  11 Nov 2003

Voice & Data

  02 Sep 2003

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