Gartner Says 90 Percent of Mobile Devices Lack Protection to Ward Off Hackers
Findings Presented at Recent Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit
Stamford, Conn., March 26, 2004 — Mobile users are implementing more wireless technologies in their daily lives, but many users are not taking the proper precautions to ensure they're working in a secure environment. Approximately 90 percent of mobile devices lack the protection to ward off hackers, according to Gartner, Inc.
Gartner analysts announced the findings recently at the Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit in Chicago, which was held March 8-10. This year's summit included more than 800 registered attendees.
During the conference, Gartner analysts identified the top "on-the-run" security exposure experienced by Gartner clients. The most commonplace scenario occurs when a user accidentally loses his or her mobile device - full of confidential enterprise data - which leads to a serious case of identity theft.
"Wireless mobility is the greatest change to occur in corporate data collection and distribution in the past decade," said John Girard, research vice president at Gartner. "However, with this change comes new threats. The solution for enterprises is to institute sound management policies to protect mobile information assets and contain costs."
Gartner outlined five key tactics to improve wireless security, including moving all PDAs and phones into the PC support group, installing PDA firewalls, implementing cost controls and purchasing mobile management tools.
The next Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit will be held April 11-13, 2005 in Orlando, Florida. Additional information on that event will be posted to www.gartner.com/us/wireless.
About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. is the leading provider of
research and analysis on the global information technology industry. Gartner serves more
than 10,000 clients, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives
in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the
investment community. The Company focuses on delivering objective, in-depth analysis
and actionable advice to enable clients to make more informed business and technology
decisions. The Company's businesses consist of Gartner Intelligence, research and
events for IT professionals; Gartner Executive Programs, membership programs and peer
networking services; and Gartner Consulting, customized engagements with a specific
emphasis on outsourcing and IT management. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in
Stamford, Connecticut, and has 3,700 associates, including more than 1,000 research
analysts and consultants, in more than 75 locations worldwide. For more information,
visit www.gartner.com.
