Click here, to download this white paper

1) Learn how to at least set the most basic security measure – here’s how

Power-on passwords are getting more and more sophisticated. If you don’t use a power-on password, all of your data held on the device, will be available to whoever finds or steals it. Read up on the power-on, BIOS administrator, and removable device passwords available on your laptops and workstations (check your manuals).

For PDA’s, power-on passwords now have several levels of security. These range from a simple 4 digit numeric pin to combined password and fingerprint recognition. Below is a typical example of what security levels to ask for regarding power-on authentication methods – in this case demonstrated by the HP IPAQ 5450.

• Simple 4 digit pin | * | * | * | * |
• Strong alphanumeric password (numbers with letters, i.e. more multiples)
• Fingerprint – can’t be guessed and harder to bypass
• PIN & fingerprint – top level security measure
• Password & fingerprint – feel 100% confident about your data’s security

Make sure that your mobile connectivity solution supports at least a 4 digit pin. Mobile devices tend to have features that extend battery life, such as automatically turning the device off after a period of inactivity. This will activate the power-on password to protect the device. It may also be possible to set a separate timer on the power-on password itself. The only way to access your device without it being correctly authenticated should be by a hard reset. This must erase all user data from the device (check you devices manual if you don’t know if your device does this).

Management solutions such as Intellisync’s Systems Management Console (SMC) extend the management of power-on passwords even further. It allows for central power-on password management and enforcement based on user or device group membership.

Below is an example of the enforcement management functions available in Intellisync’s SMC.

• Enforce "power-on" password. Two levels, a simple four-digit password or strong alphanumeric password format.
• Prompt if device unused for "x." (For Pocket PC and Palm OS devices). Determines the amount of time the device can remain unused before prompting the user for a password.

Don’t giveaway your valuable data. As a minimum, your mobile solution should support simple 4 digit power-on passwords. You should also ensure that you have the tools to centrally control and enforce the implementation of your power-on password security policy.  Continue...