mobile workers

NAC and the mobile worker

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Vendors, of course, would like to close the gap between NAC interest and acquisition. To that end, Aruba Networks, a wireless switch manufacturer is talking up enhancements it has made to its NAC offerings, by specifically focusing on the security risks posed by mobile devices. The key to securing NAC acceptance with enterprises that field large numbers of mobile workers is taking an open approach to NAC. Aruba says that interoperability with third-party network access control solutions can reduce risks and address vulnerabilities, and hopefully stimulate NAC sales. Aruba has established interoperability with the three leading NAC solutions, including Microsoft's Network Access Protection (NAP), Juniper's Unified Access Control (UAC), and Cisco's Network Admission Control (NAC).

For more on NAC and the mobile worker:
- see the article in TechWorld

CIOs seek out NAC on the net

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

One of the more interesting high-wire acts in the enterprise IT space is how CIOs manage the tension between opening their networks to mobile workers, customers, partners and suppliers, and securing the integrity of their information resources. Network access control, or NAC, is emerging as an interesting topic of discussion in IT, because of its promise of introducing some measure of order in the chaos that is the extended enterprise. NAC is the process whereby devices are checked for security risks prior to admission onto a network. A survey conducted by ComputerWorld shows that there is still a gap between discussion and implementation of this technology. Only about 14 percent of respondents said that they apply endpoint checks for application and operating system patching; the presence of firewalls or anti-virus or anti-spyware tools; USB-attached devices; and password strength. Cost and complexity account for most of the gap between the level of checking desired and the level of checking actually implemented.

For more on the NAC report:
- read the article in Computerworld

Analysis: Using Mobile Computing Strategically

Wed, 30 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Today, mobile workers can access information just about everywhere. While benefits move beyond better productivity, CIOs are streamlining business processes and enabling better communication and collaboration through mobile applications. Network Computing says that we're witnessing these changes due to faster wireless networks, more sophisticated middleware and vendors that are listening to customers and giving them what they've been asking for: built-in support for mobile devices. less networks means fewer integration challenges.

See a synopsis of how to use mobile computing strategically:
- read this Network Computing article

Will the iPhone be IT's Achilles Heel?

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Apple's iPhone wasn't intended to be an enterprise device, but there is no doubt that employees will start bringing WiFi-enabled smartphones into the corporate setting, using them for work-related pursuits. This has the potential of putting the iPhone squarely in the middle of the dilemma that CIOs face today--how to keep their networks and data secure with so many wireless devices infiltrating the organization. Because smartphones provide many of the same functions of a PC, they are a significant security threat to the enterprise. The iPhone ups the ante, because employees will want to connect these phones directly to the corporate network. Instead of implementing a ban, which has little chance of success, it makes more sense to buy more company-provided smartphones to make it easier to manage and secure the wireless devices. Another option is providing limited network access for some or all employee-provided devices while using "best efforts" to provide network and device support. Most IT organizations will likely do both. But no matter how much you try, it's impossible to control and manage every device connecting to the corporate network. It's also critical to tighten network control by automating the configuration and audit processes with a sophisticated network management tool. Other important steps include maintaining device visibility and making sure that your device inventory is accurate.

Read more about smartphones in the enterprise:
- read the article at MacNewsWorld

ALSO:
- read this on choosing the right device for mobile workers
- this on how wireless connectivity can breed wireless insecurity
- this on managing the chaos of mobility
- this on protecting Bluetooth-enabled devices
- and this on protecting remote devices with remote filtering

Managing corporate mobility

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:01:36 -0400

To create a comprehensive mobility plan for your organization, start by creating an internal wireless policy. Then request a copy of your monthly billing data from the carrier in electronic form and use it to analyze data. Also, a split liability policy, where employees buy their own devices and wireless plans and submit bills for business use, isn't the best way for a company to manage wireless programs, because it's difficult to administer and more costly for the company. And on the security front, if employees own their own devices, they can take company information with them when they leave the company. Finally, when forming a device management policy, make sure it identifies who has what and with which carrier, controls procurement and billing, provides end user support and includes strategic management.

Learn more about managing corporate mobility:
- read the blog at InformationWeek

ALSO:
- read this on the importance of mobile security
- this on best practices in managing mobile devices
- and this on choosing the right device for mobile workers

A new data delivery stream via RSS

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:01:37 -0500

While a few smart companies are already using RSS feeds to push business data points such as customer details, account actions and other activity-driven information to mobile workers, two vendors are pairing up to help push news and other valuable content to cell phones and handheld devices used in the enterprise. The Motorola-NewsGator deal promises to provide enterprises with access to NewsGator-managed RSS feeds within Motorola's Good Technology mobile phone client.

For more on the new content delivery system:
- read this article at InformationWeek

Drive encryption secures laptop data

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Any organization with mobile workers is always on the lookout for stronger laptop security, especially given the recent rash of laptop thefts and data breaches that have taken place during the past year. One of the latest tools to hit the market is Seagate's latest encryption technology. The vendor is debuting a new line of hard drives that boast built-in encryption tech that renders information useless to anyone lacking the proper clearance. The tool uses a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard to protect data on the drive.

For more on the newest laptop security solution:
- check out the news at BusinessWeek