BYOC: The Mobile Cloud Computing Cyber Security Forecast

March 28, 2013 By

The problems with BYODAn outgrowth of Mobile Cloud Computing is BYOC (Bring Your Own Cloud).  However, instead of the Cloud service being taken to work, it is used abroad.  We are a far cry from the offices of yesteryear, which did all their business from claustrophobic cubicles.  Now, today’s workforce is free to go mobile and use systems such as Cloud to access work projects, suppliers, business partners, and customers wherever they travel.

The Problem:

However, this convenience raises the spectra of a cyber-security nightmare.  Since sensitive business data is kept in Cloud storage outside the company’s security realm, the wrong people may invade it.  For example, many of you have heard the news stories about stolen employee laptops, which contained highly private customer info…such as their social security numbers, etc.  This was a public relations disaster!

The Solution:

Michael Guadagno & Associates can aid your company in making a preemptive strike to try and prevent such worst-case scenarios from occurring.  As such, we will give professional guidance to your management on how to navigate away from the destructive storms of controversy that Cloud and other BYOD’s can potentially create:

BYOD / BYOC Cyber Security

First, we will discuss the importance of powerful device passcode enforcement, plus, how to/or how not to choose a code.

  • Next, we’ll move on to DLP (Data Loss Prevention), Antivirus Protection, and how to choose the most effective cutting edge products containing these features in the present.  Then, we’ll instruct how to be aware of what cyber security upgrades are coming to the marketplace in the near-future.
  • We’ll explore the question of what potential security hazards could arise from the next hot trending device on the horizon.
  • Then, we’ll have a look at how to choose and use full-disk encryption, removable media, and Cloud storage.
  • Also, we’ll familiarize your management with using application control features.
  • We’ll especially emphasize how to use MDM (Mobile Device Management) to destroy sensitive data when a device’s security has been compromised by loss, or theft.
  • Additionally, we’ll point out the alternate choice of using a malware scanner to remotely lock the vital data on a missing device. There is such a scanner, which works with *Android apps.

The bottom line is to encourage forward thinking in computer security to keep one, or more steps ahead of an intruder’s game.

* Disclaimer: [Michael Guadagno & Associates do not work for, or market any devices for their respective manufacturers.]

Filed Under: Corporate Espionage, Featured, Identity Theft, Mobile Device Security Risk, Online Content Tracking, Privacy, Social Networking Tagged With: ,

Are Your Employees’ Cell Phones Exposing Your Company to Theft and Fraud?

July 26, 2011 By

Mobile Device causes security problems with sensitive company informationIn a recent white paper by Symantec “A Window into Mobile Device Security”, they found productivity of employees increased with the mass adoption of mobile devices in business also exposed companies to security risks.

Today’s mobile devices are a mixed bag when it comes to security. Engineers have attempted to build security directly into the operating system with features such as encryption and permission-based access control. On the other hand, these devices are designed for consumers and have traded off their security to ensure usability.

Unfortunately, researchers found their measures insufficient to protect sensitive company information that regularly finds their way onto these devices. One major complication is these devices synchronize and connect with third-party services and computers of unknown security outside of your company’s control. They are potentially exposing key information that puts your business at risk of theft and fraud.

Employees bring these devices into the work environment and it has greatly improved productivity. Without realizing any potential security threat, employees access corporate resources such as calendars, contact lists, company documents, and even email. In addition, employees often sync company information with third-party cloud services, as well as their home PC. This back door connectivity results in the loss of potentially sensitive information that is out of your control.

Even though employee productivity has increased because of these devices, your company must more effectively manage security risks.

Some ways to protect your business are to:

  • Not allow employees’ personal devices be in use while within the work environment;
  • Not to let business correspondence have any way of connection to any personal device owned by an employee;
  • Sensitive meeting rooms should have all electronic personal devices banned from entering;
  • Company-owned devices should be used strictly for business only.

All electronic devices should be part of and also included in any professional technical surveillance counter measures [tscm] sweep survey for possible compromises on any business with sensitive information to protect.

Filed Under: Featured, Mobile Device Security Risk Tagged With: , ,