Securing mobile devices is cheaper than having to replace them

(26/11/2008)

Many businesses underestimate the importance of securing mobile devices, and even though they may have policies in place which advise staff to carry equipment with them at all times, this rule is seldom followed as it’s often impractical. Companies tend to ignore the risks presented within their own environment and staff can become complacent with equipment.

With threats of an impending credit crunch currently weighing heavily on organisations’ minds, business simply can’t afford to be taking any risks with their assets, as the cost of replacing them is likely to come with a hefty price tag.

Vulnerability is heightened by the increase in mobile working; hot-desking, working from trains, planes, internet cafes and a whole host of other public places. As a result, valuable equipment can become an attractive lure for thieves who are looking to make a quick buck. As purse strings tighten, inevitably temptation can be too much for some to bear and even employees and third part suppliers within the organisation can pose a potential threat.

Corporate and petty theft will rise in a recession and if equipment isn’t locked down it could be easily stolen. Replacing lost and stolen equipment, such as PDAs and laptops is an expensive business, but with just a few simple precautions businesses can help to minimise the risk and protect valuable equipment from theft and damage.

How can a company ensure that everyone coming in and out of the office on a daily basis, including staff, cleaners, suppliers and contractors, can be trusted around unprotected, expensive equipment and sensitive data?

An ongoing issue with IT security is lack of education for the end user. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure security outside the office is perceived to be of high importance by all staff, whether it be on the move or office-based. It’s down to the employer to set realistic policies that protect both employees and equipment.

It’s all very well giving employees access to the latest up-to-the-minute gadgets, but if you don’t want to find yourself with the heavy financial burden of having to replace these items, or endure the damaging effects of losing highly confidential data, should they be stolen or lost then it’s imperative that you provide staff with the necessary equipment to keep these items as secure as possible.

The simplest of measures can make all the difference, for example a safe in the car is ideal for mobile workers to secure their laptops. We are all guilty of leaving our laptops in a unsecured car boot at some point when it has not been possible to keep in on our person, even though company policy may have stated that we shouldn’t. It’s unrealistic to expect mobile workers to carry laptops with them at all times so it’s worth investing a small amount to protect larger, less portable company assets.

For staff that are hot-desking, working remotely, or simply leaving their laptops unattended at any point then a security lock can be an effective measure for deterring the opportunistic thief. Placed in the back of the laptop, the cable then locks and is wrapped around a secure fixture, ensuring it can’t be snatched away at any point.

Data security is also of big importance when it comes to laptop theft, and although technologies exist to limit the damage, once a laptop has been taken, it would in fact cost a company far less in time and money if thefts could be avoided in the first place. Often the simplest safety measures are the most effective and with a recession looming can companies really afford the risk of losing money unnecessarily?

Related topics:  Data management and data security   Locks and safes   Mobile and Wireless Security   Tagging vandalism and theft prevention 

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