CompTIA, Cybersecurity Experts Call For Best Practices with Increased Adoption of Mobile Technologies

In today's "post-PC" world, businesses of all sizes, as well as policy makers at all levels, need to be ready to address and manage increasing security and privacy challenges, found a panel of experts at CompTIA's mobile security briefing. Several dozen Hill staff, policy makers, security and privacy experts and technology advocates participated in the discussion.

"Mobile technologies are helping to increase productivity and competitiveness, they are a terrific platform for innovation, but we must also consider the vulnerabilities that mobility introduces and be prepared to address them," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. "With more companies adopting a 'BYOD' or bring your own device policy, it's more critical than ever that businesses and policy makers consider the security and privacy implications of these actions."

According to a recently released CompTIA study, more than 70 percent of IT staff surveyed cited security considerations as the greatest risk involved in supporting mobility. As mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets extend both physical and temporal boundaries of the workplace, businesses are under increasing pressure to create new policies and procedures to keep the mobile enterprise accessible, available and secure.

"We're seeing greater awareness in the enterprise space of the need to protect both company-issued and personal devices. However, a major effort is needed in education, research and industry collaboration to counter the rising threats to mobile security," said Andrew Hoog, chief executive officer, viaForensics.

"Mobile devices and working in a mobile environment opens up new vulnerabilities, particularly in the area of privacy. Having clear industry best practices can help establish guidelines for and encourage good, pro-consumer behaviors," said Allan Friedman, PhD, Research Director for Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings Institution.

The CompTIA study found that 84 percent of those surveyed use their smartphones for light work such as email or web browsing, while tablets had even wider range of uses. CompTIA regularly benchmarks business attitudes, purchase plans and technology preferences to help inform the business strategy of its member companies and public policy development.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.