Security Awareness Training

105 - Information Security and Mobile Devices

Mobile devices such as laptop computers, cellphones and PDAs can make life much easier. But they also create serious information security risks that need to be considered since users may be taking sensitive information outside the carefully controlled office environment.

In this course, we start by defining what we mean by "mobile devices" and discuss why they pose a particular security problem. Then we address:

Security threats and protective measures during normal use

• Viruses and antivirus software.
• Firewalls.
• Wireless networks.
• Shoulder surfing.
• Cellphone conversations.
• Password protection.

The risk of loss or damage

• The risk of theft.
• Encryption.
• Damage due to devices being dropped.
• Carrying bags for laptops.
• Data disks, CDs and DVDs.
• Harsh environmental conditions