Mobile Security
The use of Blackberry’s, iPhone’s, smartphone’s and Windows Mobile devices are becoming increasingly common in businesses today however what many of the users do not consider is the security of the device. Let’s start by taking a look at what these devices are typically used for; First and foremost they are used to telephone clients as well as loved ones. They are also used for emails both from and to clients as well as friends and family. Many of these devices are also used to store files (spreadsheets etc) as well as photos, music etc.
The problem is that typically when you ask these users what security they have enabled or purchased for these devices the answer is either “nothing” or “no idea”. The fact is that the information contained on these devices is typically just as sensitive and confidential as the information contained on the company network so why are these devices being treated differently? The directors, managers or any one else using these devices need to understand that they are no longer carrying a phone anymore and that these devices are in actual fact a part of the business network and they need to ensure that the proper precautions are taken to ensure that the data contained on them is kept safe.
One simple question to ask is does your device have a password or PIN set on it to prevent unauthorised
access to the device?
Another consideration is what is your procedure in the event of the loss of one of these handsets? Do you have the facility to remotely wipe the handheld device or indeed do you know how to do this? The fact is that this can be achieved with Corporate Blackberry handsets, also with Apple iPhone 3G units using ActiveSync for Exchange as well as Windows Mobile devices that are using ActiveSync for Exchange.
If you would like to know more about mobile security solutions or would like to know what can be done to secure your existing devices please contact us by emailing sales@jpt-solutions.co.uk
Always on the go
Society is becoming more “always on” than ever. Since the introduction of SMS or text messaging the growth of non-verbal communication has exploded. This movement then spawned a massive growth in the on-demand culture which naturally progressed into mobile email. One of the first methods of achieving this was with the Windows Mobile devices. The early models worked on a “pull” architecture whereby the device had a collection schedule such as every 15 minutes at which it polled and collected new emails, then came the BlackBerry. This device revolutionised the mobile email market as it was now possible to have your email “pushed” to you which meant that when an email arrived in your mailbox it was immediately pushed, via the Blackberry network, out to your portable device so you could deal with it immediately. The device was also unique in that you can remotely wipe it, which meant that if it was lost or stolen then you could ask your network admin to remotely wipe the device clean. This feature alone had massive appeal to government bodies, the legal profession, medial profession etc who would potentially have confidential data on the device. More recently, following an update for Microsoft Exchange Server, the Windows Mobile was able to offer the same features as the BlackBerry but without the need for additional software that was needed for the corporate BlackBerry. Other noteworthy manufactures able to achieve “push” email is Nokia, with “Mail for Exchange” and more recently the new Apple iPhone 3G.
But with all of this technology available to ensure that you are never out of contact whether it be voice calls, SMS or even email the question remains; Do you need it? This is something we have been asked many times and the answer is always the same; “Do you need it? Only you can decide”. What is clear is that it’s now more affordable than ever for anyone to have this technology at their fingertips. No longer is it the reserve of the large corporate environments it’s something that the Owner/Manager’s and Small Businesses can enjoy which in turn can help them to become more streamlined and agile in a fragile marketplace where an instant response can make all the difference. If you would like to know more about mobile email solutions please contact our team for more information.
