Securing your mobile workforce: Extending security to mobile devices

PDAs and smart phones are becoming standard business tools storing sensitive business information and enabling email on the move. This makes them vulnerable to attack from malware authors seeking out new ways to defraud users and steal confidential business data.

The growing mobile virus threat

Mobile viruses and spyware remain a relatively small problem compared with the much larger amount of malware targeting Windows computers.

With increased uptake of mobile devices, the risks to business reputation, communication and continuity are slowly becoming more serious. Risks include data theft, disruption of mobile phone networks, and the hijacking of phones to send unauthorized revenue-generating SMS messages, and SophosLabs™ has already identified over 200 examples of malicious mobile code.

How mobile devices get infected

Mobile devices can be infected in many ways including email, MMS, external memory cards, PC synchronization, and even via Bluetooth.

Windows and Symbian users are at the greatest risk. The ability for users to add their own software to devices running these operating systems makes them more vulnerable than the closed operating systems used on BlackBerry (RIM) and many Linux-based devices.

Implementing a security strategy

Make sure your security policy includes a strategy for mobile devices, covering:

• Threat management – identification and removal of viruses, spyware and spam.

• Device access control and management – enforcing a password policy and application management.

• Data protection – encryption of sensitive data on devices and remote data deletion.

• Network access control – controlling VPN connections across public networks, validation of devices when they connect to the corporate network.

This article was provided by Sophos and is published here with their full permission. Sophos provides full data protection services including: security software, encryption software, antivirus, and malware protection.

This article was provided by Sophos and is reproduced here with their full permission. Sophos provides full data protection services including: security software, encryption software, antivirus, and malware.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/securing-your-mobile-workforce-extending-security-to-mobile-devices-1447154.html