Ben Halpert / November 2007
Mobile Enterprise

This month we'll discuss the fourth and final installment in Ben's Laws of Mobile Data Security.

As previously discussed, user awareness and tactical technology implementations alone will not protect an organization's sensitive information from vulnerabilities introduced by the use of consumer-driven mobile devices. An overarching secure enterprise mobility strategy is needed to ensure the protection of sensitive information. Once this holistic approach is developed, less importance is placed on which device is actually being used to store or transport sensitive information.

The task of creating a secure
enterprise mobility strategy may seem daunting, but it is not insurmountable. The first step is to identify your user community. Examples include office workers, telecommuters and
logisticians. Then, think about the enabling technologies at their disposal, such as VoIP, RFID, smartphones and Bluetooth. Lastly, develop usage scenarios that map the users to the appropriate technology. Some
suggested scenarios to start with are field service, asset tracking and campus mobility.

The lifecycle aspects of people, process and technology must be fully developed to provide for proper support of the secure enterprise mobility strategy. As part of any good information technology- related lifecycle process, the aspects of monitoring, auditing and capability enhancement also must be addressed. The importance of buy-in from above

should not be overlooked; in order for a secure enterprise mobility strategy to be successful, it must be embraced by the organization's leaders.

As our four-part series draws to a close, here's a recap of what organizations need to know as they develop and maintain a secure enterprise mobility strategy.

Ben's Laws of Mobile Data Security:

• You can't stop mobile device proliferation
• User awareness alone is ineffective
• Point solutions will only shift
  the target
• Overarching secure enterprise mobility strategy is needed

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