We’re in an era where mobile computing devices are replacing their desktop counterparts. As such, the concept of “bring your own device,” or BYOD, is becoming an attractive option, but it raises security concerns for many.
A survey sponsored by the folks at Oracle (News - Alert) took a look at just how important security is, and what the survey found was, in a nutshell, security is a big deal. While that might not seem surprising, as there is much to lose when it comes to data, there are key specifics regarding security that have decision makers the most concerned.
The survey, ‘The Connected Enterprise: Keeping Pace with Mobile Development,” said:
“Around 93 percent of respondents cited concern over data loss and other security breaches related to mobile devices with BYOD being a key contributor to this concern. Organizations are turning more to centralized management rather than relying on users for security. In the next two years, respondents say their organizations will be focusing more on device data encryption (10 percent more than today), centralized updating and troubleshooting (11 percent more), remote wiping of data (11 percent more) and lockdown of features (18 percent more).”
The proliferation of enterprise smartphones and tablets — both corporate and personally owned — makes security a top priority for IT organizations. Professionals will show an increase in productivity when they can choose which devices to use, as opposed to being forced to use one they may or may not be comfortable with. Knowing these benefits, which way will decision makers go? Well, the survey predicted that mobile IT spending will double in two years, so the focus will certainly be on mobility.
To deal with this influx of “bring your own” technology, IT departments must put policies in place to better handle the growing security concerns that come along with non-corporate devices.
Before going BYOD, businesses should ask themselves, is there ROI to be had when implementing a BYOD program across the board? Will the cost of dealing with a security incident offset the benefits?
“Mobility has been ubiquitous for a while but only 10 percent of enterprises have a wide deployment of mobile. Its impact and adoption are gaining importance today. This survey is reassuring in that enterprises see potential for great payoff from making a strong mobile commitment. They are recognizing that mobile applications provide a new way to develop and maintain relationships with customers,” said Suhas Uliyar, vice president, mobile strategy and product management at Oracle.
With the right security measures in place, it is only a case of questioning whether you are willing to accept the benefits that come with BYOD.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson