How to make sure wireless devices don't endanger the network

There's no going back when it comes to cell phones. Everyone seems to have one, and they use them at work more and more. The headache for IT leaders is making sure that cell phones don't bog down corporate networking environments, weaken network security or worsen the burgeoning malware problem that's coming to the wireless device environment.

The first step is strong and consistent user education. Mobile device users have to learn why that handy gadget presents a network issue and how it could put valuable corporate data at risk. On the IT side, it's important to establish an inventory of what's on the network today and what's coming on tomorrow. Then it's time to establish a specific mobile and wireless device user policy, detailing what's allowed, what's not and what happens to those who violate policy. In order to give them the mobility and functionality they need, users need to understand today's wireless connectivity risks and how their actions play an important role in protecting critical data. Article | Report