Survey: Most firms don't protect mobile devices

What good is having a super security system to protect your company against cyberattacks, if you still leave the back door open? A new Ponemon Institute report identified just that problem when it surveyed companies to discover how well they protect their mobile devices, which are an integral part of their workplace these days.

The survey found that 59 percent of enterprises rated data on mobile devices as just as important to protect as other kinds of databases. But the study found that only a quarter of those surveyed encrypted data on smartphones most of the time. More than half said they never do.

With the growing popularity of mobile technology it's pretty inconceivable that companies would let down their guard at a time when the importance of cybersecurity is growing everywhere in the workplace. But right now, it's an afterthought, one that has to change to put mobile phones in a lockbox just the way other databases are locked down throughout a company.

It's one of many issues to keep on your front burner this year as you work on tightening your security hatches. Don't forget about your mobile devices when you look at the entire constellation of threats.

For more on security and mobile devices:
- see this DarkReading.com article

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