Editor's Corner

There's an interesting article in today's New York Times on how mobile devices have overtaken the corporate enterprise and what some tech leaders have decided to do to get good security in place. The propagation of handhelds and other mobile tools reminds me of the last wave of technology ushered in primarily by users--the introduction of instant messaging (IM). And just like with IM, it's taken increasing coverage and hype of real security issues to prompt many enterprises into taking control of the situation.

The big difference is that securing IM cost hardly anything; it was more about standardization on a platform and pushing out lots of user education on why you can't send files via IM unless it's secured and how dangerous it can be to click through or hit links you aren't absolutely sure are legit. With mobile devices, the security issues are quadrupled thanks to unsecured WiFi access points being used, reams of confidential data being housed and accessed through the devices, and the increasing vulnerabilities of malware coming through the IM channel.

As one IT leader explains, the first step is rolling out company mobile technology and getting rid of the devices users have bought and brought in. Then it's time to make sure everything is battened down while explaining in good training what users can and cannot do. As corporate IT folks note, if done right, the rewards can be tremendous for both the worker and the company. - Judy