Survey finds 'alarming' cyber security gap in tablet usage

While many people use their tablet computers for business, most of those who do so are not following security practices to protect sensitive data. This was the finding of an informal survey by computer security firm Symantec on its Facebook page, according to InDefenseOfData.com. In its survey, Symantec asked followers if they use their tablets for business use and what, if any, security measures are in place to prevent data loss. "The answers were both alarming and not terribly surprising: 100 percent are using their tablets for business, and a significant majority (63 percent) acknowledges that doing so somewhat or significantly decreases security. However, most are not following security best practices to protect sensitive and confidential information," it said. In the survey answered by some 110 people, there seemed to be little organization around supplying tablets to employees. Also, the survey found 74 percent of respondents selected and purchased their tablets entirely on their own, and only 20 percent were issued tablets by their employers. This would reflect the so-called “consumerization of IT" trend that continues gaining traction as people want to use their smart phones and tablets for both personal and business use, it said. But while it said there is nothing wrong with the power of choice, "doing so also creates an increased security risk." Sensitive information in tablets Of those who said they keep sensitive or confidential business-related information on tablets:

• 78 percent selected intellectual property
• 39 percent chose financial data
• 38 percent selected customer records
• 20 percent indicated employee records
• 86 percent said the either regularly or occasionally access business-related information that could be considered sensitive.

"The enormous popularity of the iPad and other tablet devices signals a significant shift in how employees access sensitive information," it said. Best practices More than half of the respondents have not received any communication regarding policies and/or best practices regarding the security of their work-related tablet activities, and only 55 percent are aware of any mobile device security and/or management software or tools their companies use in connection with their tablets. Mobile security To eliminate this security gap, the site recommends IT departments need to develop security policies and best practices for accessing or storing sensitive information on their tablets, just as they do on their laptops or PCs. "IT should also implement a data loss prevention solution to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing that data if a tablet is lost or stolen," it said. — TJD, GMA News