Everything but the mouse
Such is the sophistication of mobile devices now that they mirror their desktop equivalents in almost every sense, bar the use of a mouse and full-sized keyboard in some cases.
Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist at AVG (AU/NZ), says, 'So what does this mean? Put simply, it means that employees' mobile devices are as much a part of the business IT network (from two employees and upward) as the server, routers and central database that you keep your client records on. This means that the applications, the files, the connectivity preferences and the privacy settings of employees' devices have to form a core module in any firm's IT policy.'
An IT policy itself of course encompasses base guidelines for connectivity that govern the data input and output points that a particular company decides to allow. It also encompasses Internet security protection provisioning, Intellectual Property guidelines and nitty gritty details such as 'appropriate use of company equipment' etc. In short, it lays down the law for what employees (at every level) can and can't do with their computers '” AND their mobile devices too.
Policy enforcement doesn't hurt, it feels good
A business IT policy (with its mobile chapter or section) will differ for every business in every industry. Policy enforcement will naturally lead to better management control of devices, so that locking-down measures can be implemented to protect the firm's network against the risk of infection from malware. Employees quickly realise that they cannot 'sync' their personal mobile devices with company machines and a simple effective separation layer is built that cannot be broken.
It's not a question of being cruel to be kind. A polite but firm, no quibble approach is the ONLY way to go about establishing IT policies of any kind in today's business world. Sloppy IT policy means sloppy technology usage means sloppy data control '” and sloppy data control is a business nightmare.
To help SMBs address the policy, technology and process issues involved, AVG has created the AVG Small Business Security Guide, which provides some simple but effective steps small business owners can take to secure their business. Plus AVG's Business Resource Centre has a library of guides and tools that can help you protect your business from identity theft, data breaches, online banking break-ins and other computer crimes.
Borrett says, 'Implementing a robust, strategically planned and effective mobile device policy is now a business imperative '” and AVG is not the first to say it, but we are here to reinforce this message. Mobile working is a business reality and businesses need the controls in place to deal with this. And mobile devices need the same security protection as desktops.'
A complete business IT security solution should include anti-virus protection, such as AVG Mobilation for Android smartphones and tablets, to automate the protection of these devices and the business data that inevitably ends up on them. This cloud-based technology is simple to use, always up-to-date, plus light on device resources and battery life.
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About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd '” www.avg.com.au
Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of anti-virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers '” documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more '” all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety.
AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.
Talk to Us
Media Contacts:
Lloyd Borrett AVG (AU/NZ) 03 9581 0807
Shuna Boyd BoydPR 02 9418 8100
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