The BBC is reporting that Security firm Credant has done some research, and found out that many users store data on mobile that easily be used for ID theft if those devices were stolen!
For example, apparently only 60% of users have a password running on their devices. If we consider the fact that devices are now more capable, and more connected, it’s a mildly scary thought – and probably a fear of most IT depts in numbers of companies!
But what about this sensitive data on mobiles? What does it consist of? Well, The BBC, who picked up this research, noted that amongst other things, bank details accounted for 16% of the sensitive data on the personal front. At a very similar percentage, but in the work sphere, apparently work documents were turning up on Mobile devices!
Right now (in the UK anyway), news coverage revolves around the theft/loss of (a) Laptops, and (b) USB memory sticks – there have been many high priority cases in the last 12 months – but how long before the data becomes more commonly lost or stolen from mobile devices – with their plethora of connectivity mediums, they are the perfect digital luggage accessory for the thief for example!
Let us know your feelings on mobile security and data loss – mine are that if it’s corporate use adequate measures should be employed by an IT dept, and if it’s personal, then you HAVE TO use your common sense – whether that’s obfuscating the data you keep, or not keeping the data on there, is of course up to you!
You can read the full BBC article here.
[Via: The BBC]