Gadget Blog

The more laptops and mobile devices are used, the more likely that corporate security is at risk. How many times have you heard about a company that has lost important data when one of its laptops was lost? You’d be surprised at how many of these losses are not reported — the problem is much greater than you might expect.

This is why companies must invest in handheld security software. The ideal product combines support for multiple types of portable devices, protecting not just laptop computers but also mobile devices like Windows Mobile, Palm, BlackBerry, Symbian, and iPhone. The more device types supported, the better.

Look for mobile security solutions that support as many of these features as possible:

• Encryption of data to keep confidential data safe
• Device locking via password
• Centralized control and management of all devices
• Remote erasure of a device when lost or stolen
• Antivirus and firewall support to protect the user from spyware and other problems
• Mandatory company security policies

Not everyone who uses a laptop or a handheld device understands the need for security, so it’s important to educate employees about why security is important and what they can do to help the business keep its data safe. Notebook computers are stolen every day from cars, hotel rooms, coffee shops and airports. Even though most thieves have no interest in corporate data, it puts everything you do at risk and can cause you regulatory grief in certain industries. Dealing with these security problems proactively is much less expensive.

Don’t forget to consider personal mobile devices. Many employees use these devices throughout the work day and important and private corporate information may end up on these devices without your knowledge or permission. A flexible policy on dealing with these devices and letting employees secure them with your support is better and safer in the long run, which is where the right handheld security software makes it all possible.