Nearly two of every five enterprises are at risk of exposing sensitive data on wireless devices, and ineffective wireless policies and protocols could be to blame according to the latest research from AOTMP. The findings are surprising given the recent study also shows almost 90 percent of enterprises view security as extremely or very important to wireless mobility management.
The report, “Securing Your Mobile Environment,” states that as the mobile workforce and number of smart devices and applications increases , protecting the sensitive data stored on these devices will only become more challenging. AOTMP’s report examined wireless device security upon from key benchmark data points representing more than 190 enterprise telecom professionals across 23 different industries.
“As the sophistication of today’s wireless devices become more complex, security must become a priority for the enterprise,” said Timothy C. Colwell, Vice President of Knowledge Operations at AOTMP. “While a reactive approach to security management could have severe consequences for organizations, proactive security measures – such as user authentication and remote kills – are important steps the enterprise can take to address security within their wireless environments.”
An important measure is to clearly define and communicate expectations and protocols around lost or stolen devices to decrease the risk of exposing sensitive information. “Without these types of measures in place, data could potentially be viewed by or sent to a wide array of unintended recipients,” said Scott Lawrence, Director of Research at AOTMP. “The rapid growth in the mobile workforce and the sophistication of today’s wireless devices have dictated that security become a priority for many enterprises. A reactive approach to security management could have severe consequences for organizations. If a device is stolen and appropriate security measures are not in place, critical information including customer information and proprietary business data could be exposed and sensitive data may be compromised. However, taking proactive security measures such as user authentication as well as remote kills and application updates, the enterprise will ensure due diligence has been performed in addressing security for valuable data which may accessed from wireless devices.”
Timothy C. Colwell, V.P. Knowledge Operations, AOTMP added: “The presence of smart devices has grown significantly in a short period of time. Realizing the effect smart devices have on wireless security considerations, AOTMP sought to quantify the prevalence of smart devices within today’s wireless environments. According to AOTMP research, about 21% of all enterprise employees utilize a smart device for business purposes. AOTMP also uncovered differences in the presence of smart devices based upon the industry. As a percentage of total employees, smart device utilization was highest within Technology-oriented organizations, while employees within industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail were least likely to incorporate smart devices within their wireless communications strategy.”
The report outlines five key best practices to follow in when creating or improving existing wireless and smart device security policies:
1. Assess the current state of wireless security, which includes identifying weak spots
2. Establish or update wireless security policies and procedures
3. Ensure the enterprise makes appropriate support resources available
4. Monitor and reassess the security practices once established
5. Update the security policies and practices as needed
To download a complimentary summary of research findings, please register here
ADDITIONAL REPORT DETAILS
The goal of this report is not just making telecom and IT pros aware of this issues, there are action steps we recommend the enterprise to take to guard against a security breach via Smartphone.
1. Assess Current State of Wireless Security
• Understand how employees are utilizing mobile devices today and how usage may change going forward
• Determine where security vulnerabilities exist
• Identify and deploy specific security practices which will address vulnerabilities
• Ensure practices achieve security objectives while ensuring employee business needs continue to be met
2.Establish/Update Wireless Policy
• Establish guidelines for appropriate usage including where, when and how devices are to be used
• Ensure users are properly educated regarding security and their devices
• Establish procedures around what to do in the event a device is lost or stolen
• Ensure policies and procedures are clearly communicated and enforced
3.Ensure Appropriate Support Resources are Available
• Determine whether security will be managed internally or through an external third-party
• Ensure support staff is properly trained on deployed wireless devices and technologies, common requests for support, etc.
• Ensure wireless users know who to contact in the event assistance is needed
About AOTMP
AOTMP, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is the leading provider of information solutions for managing fixed and wireless telecom environments. AOTMP’s proprietary certifications, benchmarks, standards and best practices deliver measurable improvement in efficiency and productivity for managing wireless, voice, and data services. From Fortune 50 companies to SMB, enterprises seeking the best return on telecom and IT services turn to AOTMP’s industry research, advisory services, educational programs and performance management systems to achieve operational and financial efficiency. For more information, visit www.aotmp.com.
ADDITIONAL REPORT DETAILS
The goal of this report is not just making telecom and IT pros aware of this issues, there are action steps we recommend the enterprise to take to guard against a security breach via Smartphone.
1. Assess Current State of Wireless Security
• Understand how employees are utilizing mobile devices today and how usage may change going forward
• Determine where security vulnerabilities exist
• Identify and deploy specific security practices which will address vulnerabilities
• Ensure practices achieve security objectives while ensuring employee business needs continue to be met
2.Establish/Update Wireless Policy
• Establish guidelines for appropriate usage including where, when and how devices are to be used
• Ensure users are properly educated regarding security and their devices
• Establish procedures around what to do in the event a device is lost or stolen
• Ensure policies and procedures are clearly communicated and enforced
3.Ensure Appropriate Support Resources are Available
• Determine whether security will be managed internally or through an external third-party
• Ensure support staff is properly trained on deployed wireless devices and technologies, common requests for support, etc.
• Ensure wireless users know who to contact in the event assistance is needed
4.Monitor and Reassess Security Practices
• Establish means to monitor security practices
• Identify current weaknesses and new threats as it relates to wireless security
• Update security policies and practices as needed
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