Is your IT department being harassed by people wanting to use their mobile devices at work?

Last year we cited that tablets would increasingly be used in the business context as well as achieving high levels of market penetration into the wider population. By August 2013 analysts conservatively predict that there will be 10 million tablets being used and owned in the UK – that is nearly 20% of the population owning and using tablets. This aligned with over 55% of the population now owning and using smart phones there is increasing pressure on all organisations to recognise that people will be demanding to use these devices in work.

YouGov recently identified that this will raise a number of issues for IT security professionals. ‘Consumers are relying more heavily on mobile devices and this reliance leads to a need for security’ and ‘whilst many stick to Apple because they feel it is inherently more secure, many non-business users are attracted to the openness of the Android platform. Both will need to be secured if they are being used in the work context with work information being stored and shared on those devices.

Managing mobile device security

iOS and Android devices are ideally suited to the needs of an ever mobile workforce. The challenge is to enable mobile devices to be used, whilst guaranteeing the security of the information at rest on the device and during transmission. This challenge is exasperated when security requirements necessitate the solution to be accredited. Most Mobile Device Management (MDM) orientated security solutions take control of the entire device; this often impinges on the usability and functionality that is natively offered.

Why MobileIA?

Whether the user or the organisation owns the device it is important that it provides as much functionality as possible in order to manifest the full range of benefits regarding improvements in productivity, innovation and creativity. MobileIA’s range of enterprise tools in the secure container provide the user with a number of apps and functions that enable them to carry out flexibly, remotely and securely a range of business tasks.

The secure container approach enables both personal and business use to run alongside each other seamlessly. Work-life balance can be maintained through this separation with the added bonus of maintaining high levels of security for work-based information

Can I use my mobile device for business and personal use?

The MobileIA solution creates a secure container in which day-to-day business activities can be carried out. This is achieved without the need to impose restrictions on the entire device resulting in the loss of capability, performance or ease of use. Standard functionality of the mobile device is retained whilst the secure container is partitioned from standard functionality and storage via high grade encryption.

How does MobileIA work?

It is made up of two distinct elements. The first deals with the management of devices and the secure relay of data. The second element of the solution is the App that needs to be installed on the device. The App is not available from the Apple Store. It is downloaded and installed from a secure private app store. The download and installation process takes a couple of minutes to complete then you are ready to securely connect to your corporate e-mail and network.

Mobile device security is not country specific, it is as relevant to all countries and the ability to support global corporations is clearly evident. Many industries and companies work across boundaries and mobile device security is relevant to all. The ability to roll the solution to a global audience is already relevant with major multinationals expressing initial interest.

Where can I find out more about making our devices more secure?

If you are interested in discussing security solutions for your mobile devices then please contact us.