IT Wireless

How hard is it to secure your data?

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:59:58 -0500

CIOs must protect their systems from outsiders as well as insiders. A recent survey conducted last month by RSA found that one-third of those surveyed had to work around their organization's security policies to get the job done. And that means an added vulnerability to anyone's system. These insiders are just as good as outside hackers in finding data that is not secured or exploiting weak security policies. There are plenty of ways to break through security. One of them is sending email attachments with sensitive documents. Another way is accessing work email at a public computer. It's hard to believe that anyone with a technology background would do this. But don't be surprised because it happens.

The survey found that two thirds of people who were surveyed sometimes leave their workplace carrying a mobile device such as a laptop that holds sensitive information relating to their jobs. Is this a nightmare for a CIO? It sure is. Not only that, eight percent of those surveyed reported that they had lost a mobile device with company information on it. By now, every CIO should have rules of the road in place for their employees. If they don't, does that mean the CIO is derelict, too?

For more on protecting your data:
- See this CIO Magazine Article

The threat within trumps external risks

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

While CIOs and CSOs are often concerned with the threat of viruses and other external sources of danger, a new study from the U.S. Computer Security Institute (CSI) concludes that company insiders should be a bigger focus in efforts to protect networks. CSI released its annual Computer Crime and Security Survey for 2007 in which 494 security professionals from U.S. corporations and government agencies were interviewed. Insider incidents were cited as having occurred by 59 percent of respondents, while only 52 percent said they had encountered a conventional virus in the previous year. Both insider and virus incidents have been falling since a high in the year 2000, but this is the first time insider incidents have been more reported than viruses. Other incidents on the rise include: laptop and mobile device theft and targeted attacks, especially those where organizations felt they had been specifically singled out for attack.

For more updates on security:
- see the article in InfoWorld

Security mistakes to avoid at all costs

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 19:01:36 -0500

Even today, companies are making avoidable and potentially deadly security mistakes that could significantly increase the likelihood of a security breach. These include insecure SNMP implementations, neglecting mobile device connections, sending user authentication credentials across the company's network unprotected, using default passwords and failing to monitor and enforce corporate security policies.

Get more information from a security auditor on top security mistakes:
- listen to the audio clip at ITWorld

Powerful computing can light a fire

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:01:38 -0500

The growing concern over the increased heat produced by heftier computing devices has landed one vendor in court and has sparked an industry-wide discussion on the safety factor involved with the latest mobile devices. Dell is due in court to face charges that it allegedly sold laptops with a defective motherboard prone to overheating. The complaint comes on the heels of the huge laptop battery recall due to fire, an issue the vendor dealt with in 2006. Experts say that the increasing risk of fire and meltdowns is a serious factor that any small or mobile device vendor must address.

For more on the device safety issues:
- read the story at CIO Today

Financial services going mobile in a big way

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 19:01:35 -0500

Today's mobile computing devices can do just about everything and that includes financial transactions, as users want to be able to talk, email, surf the Web, listen to music and watch video on the go. That's why a growing number of leading financial institutions are readying security strategies to open the doors to online banking through the mobile device. Citibank's working on an encryption system, Wachovia already lets customers check online balances and others are rolling out e-payment applications.

For more on bringing the cell phone into the financial segment:
- read the article at CIO Today

Another laptop goes missing at Boeing

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:01:38 -0500

Boeing has fired an employee that it says was responsible for the theft of a laptop this month and is working with law enforcement to track down the mobile device, as it contains confidential information on nearly 400,000 current and former employees. The laptop data was not encrypted (though it was reportedly password protected), which means the the social security numbers, addresses and other personal data contained therein could end up in the wrong hands. It's the third time a laptop has gone missing from the company and while none have yet been recovered, Boeing claims that none of the missing information has been used for criminal purposes.

For more on the laptop theft:
- read the news at Computerworld

PLUS: Hackers hit Texas university with data theft. Article
Related Article: Starbucks beats Boeing in laptop loss count. Article

The dawn of the communications dashboard

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:01:38 -0500

The ability to manage all of your messaging and communication ports from one place is an enticing option, and it seems that real-time communication (RTC) dashboards are finally up to the challenge. The devices meld e-mail, instant messaging, file sharing, audio and videoconferencing and whiteboarding within a unified view, whether connected to a PC or a mobile device. Enterprises can even get custom-made dashboards for specific needs. As one insurance company reports, the technology is finally delivering on its intended promise: to boost productivity and streamline communication.

For more on the arrival of RTC dashboards:
- check out the article at Network World

Laptops not as mobile as many might think

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 19:01:37 -0500

When it comes to true "mobile" computing, it seems like laptops aren't quite as mobile as you might assume. A new survey of laptop use and mobility requirements notes that laptops aren't traveling as much as some IT leaders may think they are. Market research firm MetaFacts says that most company-owned notebooks stay put in the workplace and even if they're 'on the road' they're typically sitting on desks at office locations or the hotel room desk top. The other surprising revelation is that the ubiquitous mobile device is being used for much more than work related activity--for example, laptops are three times more likely to be used for online betting activity.

For more on laptop mobility:
- read the article at InformationWeek

Related Article: Going mobile without a laptop. Article

Data left behind poses a big risk

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 19:01:36 -0500

While it may seem that laptop data theft is primarily due to thieves and disgruntled ex-employees, it looks like plain old user forgetfulness is the major reason mobile devices go missing. A new report from Pointsec Mobile Technologies states that over 10,000 devices such as PDAs, cell phones and laptops were left behind in taxi cabs, in the Washington, DC area alone, during a six month period. While the majority of these devices found their way back to owners, it's still clear that tons of confidential data--from contact information and messaging content to files on corporate initiatives--could potentially end up in the wrong hands.

For more on the real threat to mobile data:
- read the news at CSO online

Related Article: Picking the right mobile device for road warriors. Article

Choosing the right device for mobile workers

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

If your users are clamoring for a handheld device, the first step should be determining exactly what they'll be using it for--personal digital assistants (PDAs) are geared toward one set of uses while smart phones offer different functionalities. For example, mobile users who need to write, store and share data might find the BlackBerry the best device, while others who rely more on messaging communications to keep in touch and plan their workday may get more use out of one of many smartphones on the market.

For more on mobile device decisions:
- read the article at CIO Today

Related Article: The insecurities of mobile computing. Article