Mobile Devices Raise Security Concerns

More employees than ever are using their mobile devices to stay connected. As a result, pressure to provide choice within company technology policies is increasing.

Although mobile device policies aren’t designed to change with rapidly evolving technology and consumer demand, saying “no” to new devices isn’t an option for credit unions anymore.

Security firm McAfee Labs reports mobile phones are likely to be the target of malicious attacks in 2011. So how should credit unions manage security requirements for these devices?

In Credit Union Directors Newsletter, Scott Sysol, vice president of information technology and chief information security officer for CUNA Mutual Group, suggests how to securely integrate mobile devices into the workplace:

• Acknowledge that employees will use mobile devices regardless of policy. Begin by approving a few popular ones. Once you implement a device approval process, develop a service catalog for all devices and update it with each new device approved.
• Educate employees on smart mobile device security practices, empowering them to protect the credit union together.
• Separate personal and company applications on the device, putting corporate files in a special section, accessible with passwords. You can also create an enterprise data lockdown ability that remotely wipes out credit union data if a device is lost or stolen.
• Don’t wait. By developing a strategy today, you can improve policies as consumers’ mobile appetite grows. Your credit union also won’t be forced to react quickly to implement security measures should a breach occur.

The mobile revolution is here to stay. Employees are managing work and personal needs whenever they choose.

It’s important to create policies that provide employees choices while maintaining security measures.

Contact Sysol at 800-356-2644, ext. 8155.