Mobile Device Security

Imagine yourself on vacation, you get out of the cab all excited to get to your hotel room and start your relaxation. Then the horror sets in, you forgot your cell phone in the cab. Would you feel comfortable with somebody finding your mobile device, turning it on and seeing your recent phone calls, your text messages and possibly your email?

Here are some things that you should do

1. Choose your device based on needs. Ask your sales representative about the security of the device.
2. Require authentication (put a password on your phone)
3. Control third-party applications (everybody loves Angry Bird but not all apps are what they appear)
4. Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it or turn to hidden mode at the very least

If the device is for business purposes you can also add the following to the above list 

1. Turn on encryption (many enterprise software solutions will have options for this)
2. Utilize remote wipe capabilities (you can then have that lost phone factory reset from your main office)
3. Call your IT staff as soon as the device goes missing
4.  Firewall policies (limit exposure by only offering access to types of data needed)

Change can be difficult but these changes, or additions, could really save you a huge headache in the future.

Scott Berbrich, IT Lead