Increased mobility means more security woes

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IT departments need to ensure that wireless technology and remote devices do not expose systems to increased security threat

Public sector organisations could be at risk from a range of new security threats as a result of their increased use of mobile technology.
Although remote and wireless technology offers a number of benefits, such as enhanced flexibility and efficiency, it can also increase the risk of security breaches.
Richard Starnes, president of the Information Systems Security Association’s UK chapter, commented: “Wireless is by no means a mature technology, and there are a number of threats to its security, which can result in data being tampered with or intercepted.”

There are, however, a number of steps that public sector organisations can take to not only protect wireless connections but also actual devices. As Chris Knowles, Security Practice Leader at Computacenter, explained: “Although you can never guarantee 100% security, there are a number of strategies and tools available to help reduce the risks. Our security consultants can help public sector organisations choose the right level of protection, and integrate technologies, such as intrusion detection solutions, patch management, and anti-virus software into a cohesive security strategy.”

Such preventative measures will be essential, as the adoption of wireless and mobile technology is expected to grow rapidly over the next year. According to industry analyst IDC, sales of handheld devices, such as PDAs, will triple to 14 million by 2005. Recent flexible working legislation means that public sector IT departments also have to manage an increasing number of remote devices located at employees’ homes.

“Home-based PCs can open up a Pandora’s Box of problems – from viruses being accidentally downloaded from web-based email to difficulties implementing new patches,” commented Knowles. “It is therefore essential that public sector organisations have a comprehensive security policy in place to ensure that preventative measures, such as deploying encrypted links and user authentication solutions, have been implemented.”

Despite the risks, providing remote access to data can deliver a massive range of benefits, as South Wales Fire & Rescue discovered when it provided firefighters with new in-cab computers.