The threat of tablet security

There is a way to access backend systems securely using any one of the tablets your IT users may wish to purchase.

The Citrix Receiver runs on all of the OSes mentioned and it can deliver a secure and locked down desktop to all users, whether mobile or office based.

Sure it's not cheap, but the benefits are brilliant.
 
It is very tough for the IT Department. Many of the iPad early adopters were executive types and its hard to take their toys away from them.

For me I think the devices will be using mail and web based applications.
This alone creates security issues because most people keep their iPad in unlocked mode.

From a management perspective (not IT management) I have implemented two conditions before someone can connect such a device to the company's mail or wireless network
1) The iPad / iPhone etc must auto lock after x minutes
2) The iPad / iPhone etc. must have a remote wipe facility. On BB it is dead easy. On iPhone / iPad one can use the MobileMe which can track devices, lock devices or remote wipe them
Even personal devices must have this implemented otherwise they are not allowed to connect. Of course it is not easy to enforce it.
 
GrahamWhite said:
how does one do the track, lock, wipe thing?
Click to expand...

With Apple its pretty easy.
One
a) creates a free Mobile Me Account
b) Download the FindmyiPhone app (also free)
c) Configure and enable the app

After that you can go onto any other findmyiPhoneapp (or onto me.com) and you can login using your mobileme account
You can then
* Track its location - Its damn accurate
* Remote Lock
* Remote Wipe
* Make it make a noise (even if its silent)
* Send a message to it (say you left it at a friends house etc.)

This works with the iPhone 4, New generation Touches and the iPad.

Of course it has to be on and seeing the internet

I am sure some of the other devices have similar features. I know with BB the sysadmin can remote wipe.
 
Citrix is the way to go for now. Also, Honeycomb introduces proper encryption for devices.
 
Biscuit1018 said:
With Apple its pretty easy.
One
a) creates a free Mobile Me Account
b) Download the FindmyiPhone app (also free)
c) Configure and enable the app

After that you can go onto any other findmyiPhoneapp (or onto me.com) and you can login using your mobileme account
You can then
* Track its location - Its damn accurate
* Remote Lock
* Remote Wipe
* Make it make a noise (even if its silent)
* Send a message to it (say you left it at a friends house etc.)

This works with the iPhone 4, New generation Touches and the iPad.

Of course it has to be on and seeing the internet

I am sure some of the other devices have similar features. I know with BB the sysadmin can remote wipe.
Click to expand...

Wow just did it - Amazing!!!! Now I can track my sales staff too!!!!!! Did you also need to upgrade to OS ?
 
GrahamWhite said:
Wow just did it - Amazing!!!! Now I can track my sales staff too!!!!!! Did you also need to upgrade to OS ?
Click to expand...

I think it works from iOS 4.0 but it is hardware linked. It does not work on iPhone 3G with iOS 4.1.
So iOS4 on iPad, iPhone 4 or New Generation Touches works fine

BTW - Your tracking comment no doubt was tongue in cheek.
BUT it wise to either inform them you have that ability to track OR
Do what I have done which is get people to setup the mobile me, demonstrate it works and then put the userid and password in a sealed envelope which goes in my safe.

That way if we have a device loss or the person disappears we can remote wipe.
 
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