
Sybase has warned businesses over the use of unprotected smartphones in the workplace. The company says that the current surge of “passion for mobile computing” among consumers is “changing the profile of of the global workforce, and enterprises must adapt every aspect of their corporate policies to keep up.”
The warning comes in the light of stats from IDC, which state that by the end of this year, 57 per cent of employees will use smartphones for work. By 2013, says IDC, The worldwide mobile worker population will reach 1.2bn.
Sybase says that IT departments need to take steps to ensure the security of all the devices in use by their organisations employees. Device loss, malware, bugs, and out-of-date mobile OS software can all lead to problems and loss of sensitive data.
Sybase advises that enterprises “Create mobile governance policies that emphasise security, and educate employees on how to adhere to those rules.”
The company also says it is key to use a mobile-management platform that allows IT departments to centrally deploy, configure, and manage a fleet of multiplatform mobile devices (whether personally owned or company-purchased). Sybase recommends the use of tools that offer IT visibility into device status, so security breaches can be quickly and automatically shut down.
“Restrict or limit known vulnerabilities, including risks associated with applications download, or location specific camera restrictions,” says Sybase. “Implement a portfolio of device security tools that include alphanumeric passcodes, authentication, encryption, and remote wipe.”