A Pitch for Mobile Device Security

In light of the most recent large-scale data leak, (yes, I'm talking about Citigroup) I think it is time to review the top 10 reasons why CIOs need to take a harder look at mobile device security.

10) Having to tell the Wall Street Journal that you're not sure how a 13-year-old got a hold of your TREO won't be fun.

9) Contrary to popular belief, "password" isn't a good password.

8) The IT department has NO IDEA how many mobile devices are capable of accessing the corporate network.

7) Unless you have the power to remotely "kill" a mobile device, once it is gone, so is all of the data on it.

6) Eventually, the "we've-compromised-our-customer's-data" club will quit issuing memberships.

5) USB ports are as accessible as diplomas at an online university.

4) If someone as smart as Paris Hilton can be hacked, then there is no hope for the rest of the world.

3) The cab driver has plans to sell your laptop on Ebay before you even realize you left it.

2) Lost-and-found is code for auction.

1) Nothing hurts a stock price more than a batch of stolen identities.

AB -- 6/10/05