Essential Computer Security

One of the largest shifts in security in recent years has been the irrelevance of the network ‘perimeter’ and the explosion of portable storage and mobile computing devices. As more workers rely on laptop computers they have left the relative security of the internal network and ventured out into the wild. They might connect to the Internet while at home. They may use wireless networking from sites like hotels, airports, or coffee shops. Without being tethered to a wired network connection, the user- and the data and sensitive information they have access to- can go anywhere.

Add to that the evolution of the cell phone into a mobile computing device. They used to just make phone calls. Now they access email, communicate with text and instant messaging, surf the Web and more. The mobile phone is actually a larger issue than laptops because of the diversity of the platforms and the small size of the devices themselves. Unlike desktop and laptop PC’s which can have standardized builds that can be monitored and controlled through things like Windows Active Directory and Group Policy, the options for mobile devices are almost unlimited. Administrators find that they have to support diverse devices like Blackberries, iPhones, Windows Mobile smartphones, phones using the Palm platform and more. Smaller devices are convenient, but are also easier to lose or have stolen.

This article from TechTarget’s SearchVoIP site addresses some of the challenges faced by enterprises needing to secure and protect data on mobile devices and also offers some guidance and suggestions that may be useful. Having a clearly defined policy on the use and protection of such devices for company data, and following some simple best practices concepts can go a long way to ensuring that corporate data is secure no matter where it goes.

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Tags: Mobile / Wi-Fi Security // 2 Comments »