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Safeguard Your Mobile Device - Avoid Embarrassment and Litigation
June 4, 2010
Wherever you or your colleagues travel this summer, you are sure to bring a mobile device. And while your Fridays may be casual, there is nothing casual about the consequences of a lost or stolen device.
Recognize the risks. Mobile devices are digital warehouses for vast amounts of private information. Should a device go missing, your firm is obliged to contact everyone whose privacy may have been compromised. And that could be just the beginning of your misadventure.
To fully appreciate the problem, consider that laws such as California SB 1386 (and similar laws that exist in other states), require companies to notify individuals whose privacy may have been compromised. Plus, companies that violate industry mandates like HIPAA and GLBA face the threat of fines or jail time.
Manage risk with a mobile device security protocol. This protocol should anticipate all the ways a mobile device might go lost or be stolen, and include clear instructions on how to guard against such occurrences. Protocol should also specify all information that should not be stored on mobile devices.
In the event of loss or theft, protocol should name who in your company is to be contacted and when – as a rule of thumb, immediately is about right. Of course, this protocol should be included in employee guidelines. Get ahead of the damage control curve by planning ahead.
Minimize your risks. Guard against potential loss or theft by password-protecting all devices. In addition, safeguards should be put into place by encrypting sensitive documents on devices.
Erect secure firewalls. A firewall is an essential security requirement for a company using mobile devices. The fact that we can logon to the Internet with mobile devices means they are exposed to all the risks faced by your enterprise network, including penetration and theft of confidential information. What’s more, these devices typically also contain log-on scripts, passwords and user credentials that can be used to compromise the company computer network.
Install virus protection software. Hundreds of mobile viruses have been identified and the list is growing. These viruses can jump from a mobile device to your company network, potentially wreaking havoc on both your business and computer system. To guard against these dangers, install virus protection software on your mobile devices.
In keeping with our Casual Fridays theme, none of this information is copyright protected. Please feel free to share with your colleagues.
About
KMRD Partners, Inc. – KMRD Partners, Inc. is a full service
Property & Casualty broker serving
the commercial property and casualty insurance market from offices in
the Philadelphia, PA region. Their mission statement,
“Making a difference by Managing the Cost of Risk”,
is a unique approach that focuses not just on insurance placement, but
coverage expertise, service accountability, client education and risk
management.
2600 Kelly Road,
Suite 300, PO Box 755
Warrington, PA 18976
1-866-957-KMRD (5673) Fax 267-482-8431
www.kmrdpartners.com
Reducing the Cost of Risk
- One Client at a Time
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