highlights the need for more rigorous governance around portable devices: “We had an agreed password policy for all BlackBerry devices that required a long and complex password string. That all changed when a senior executive requested a simple password, as he couldn’t enter the complex one while driving.”
Users
Many user groups within organizations are very keen to use portable devices in new ways to support the way they work (see table below).
Participants in the ISF study reported that of the various user groups, the main drivers of portable device adoption were senior management (50%), followed by business groups and IT (each 20%). Of course, senior executives have the greatest infl uence to drive adoption as well as to infl uence new policies and standards. As one ISF member said, “Our CEO walked into the board meeting and gave everyone an iPad. He then turned to the CIO and said, ‘We’ll be using these from now on!’”.
The challenge for information security professionals is that without control over consumer device working practices, users are free to combine work and personal
A senior executive requested a simple password [for his smartphone] as he couldn’t enter the complex one while driving
data. This is accompanied by the increased risk of operating in unsuitable locations and exposure to loss and theft. Users can also potentially misuse or abuse the device through jailbreaking or disabling security features. They might also copy data to removable storage devices, or use the device for making inappropriate calls, or for downloading and sending offensive or inappropriate content. The list goes on. Organizations need to ensure employees are aware of what constitutes good working practice for mobile devices. In addition to making consumer device security an integral part of awareness campaigns, organizations
should create an acceptable use policy that employees must sign. Furthermore, organizations should consider monitoring device usage and enforcing policy through disciplinary or fi nancial sanctions. The most effective practice, however, will likely be awareness. Ensuring that employees don’t blur (or forget) the lines between business and personal use will be key. Awareness programs will need to reinforce that the employee is responsible for looking after the organization’s information – regardless of the device it is on. As a result, employees have to be more aware and understand what is expected of them, and what to do in the event of a problem. Awareness will need to cover both electronic and physical security.
Devices
Left unprotected and unmanaged, portable devices are exposed to a range of information security threats. These include: exploits by malware targeted at the device’s operating system or apps; unauthorized connections; exploitation of software vulnerabilities by malware that exposes data or causes unexpected behavior; and compromise or irrecoverable loss of data.
Different User Groups and Their Portable Device Behaviors User group
Typical uses Non-executive directors
Executives / Board / senior management
Knowledge and specialist workers
• Personal Information Management • Reading Board documents such as minutes, papers, proposals, fi nances
• Personal Information Management • Reading Board documents such as minutes, papers, proposals, fi nances
• Personal Information Management • Social networking • Knowledge sharing / collaboration tools
Tech-savvy and IT workers • Personal Information Management • Social networking • Technical activities (e.g., server management / remote management)
Sales people
• Personal Information Management • CRM • Browser access to product details
30 Comments
• May have more than one company’s information stored on one device
• Some now want offi ce productivity suites availble on the device
• Leakage of sensitive information
• See these as productivity enhancers or as tools to accomplish better results for their clients
• Will often connect to multiple social networking sites and will probably blog / vlog as well
• May upgrade frequently to the latest model
• Data integrity – from data stored on multiple devices
• Capacity to bypass security • Use of devices in unintended / unexpected ways
• Loss of device reduces productivity
Examples of challenges
• Need to reconcile differing security requirements • Loss of device
• Loss of device
January/February 2012
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