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2/3 of companies uncertain of mobile data security

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CIOL Bureau
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AMSTERDAM: A recent survey of more than 100 delegates at Mobile Enterprise 09 hosted by Sybase, Inc., an industry leader in delivering enterprise and mobile software, showed that more than two thirds of European organisations surveyed are not fully aware what sensitive data is stored within employees' mobile devices. Furthermore, 38 per cent of those questioned are not aware of what applications are on employees' mobile devices, let alone what sensitive data is within the applications.

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Worryingly, only 15 percent are completely confident that they would be legally protected should an employee's mobile device be lost or stolen and company data were to fall into the wrong hands.

The survey conducted at Mobile Enterprise '09 reveals the need for enterprises to implement strategies to secure and manage sensitive data, and also protect against the legal responsibilities associated with data breaches.

"These figures show there is a continued lack of central management of mobile devices within enterprises," said Dr. Martin Karlowitsch, Director, Field Marketing EMEA, Sybase. "To ensure the enterprise is protected from any mobile threat, intentional or unintentional, organisations need to ensure that mobility policies are as stringent as their wider IT security and management initiatives. Mobility must fit into the wider picture."

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"As part of the evolution in enterprise data infrastructure, enterprise mobility will take on an increasingly central role in Europe," said Lars Vestergaard, Research Director, IDC. "To underestimate the strategic role of mobility, or to view it as an isolated solution in the wider ICT infrastructure risks limiting its potential of delivering decision critical information."

The survey also revealed that two thirds of organisations questioned do not have the capabilities to centrally manage all mobile devices and operating systems. Karlowitsch continued: "The technology exists for organisations to manage all mobile devices, secure company information and ensure compliance. Organisations failing to invest in these capabilities are irresponsible and putting themselves at risk, as well as missing out on the financial benefits of effective mobilisation."

Such industry issues were discussed at Mobile Enterprise 09, which was attended by over 180 enterprise mobility professionals across Europe. Spokespeople from IDC, SAP, Verizon, Orange, Siemens Enterprise Communications (SEN) and Sybase discussed the current mobility landscape in the enterprise and focused on enterprise mobility technologies, including: mobile device management; security; mobilising business processes, messaging and applications; and mobile databases.

Amongst other issues and technologies, Sybase discussed its Afaria software, which provides frontline management and security for mobile devices such as laptops and tablet PCs, handhelds and smartphones (including the iPhone). The Afaria product is a core component of Sybase's enterprise mobility offering, a platform that addresses converging enterprise requirements for mobile email, security, device management and application enablement.

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