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PDA / Cellphone Security
Virtually all computer users understand the
necessity for these basic security measures:
password protection for sensitive or private
information and antivirus software, if the
machine directly connects to the Internet
or receives files downloaded elsewhere from
the Internet. Unfortunately, many people
who are otherwise rather sophisticated technologically
are prone to carry cell phones and personal
digital assistants (PDAs) that are completely
insecure.
The small size of cell phones and PDAs leads
to their being easily lost, stolen, or temporarily
appropriated by data thieves. If these devices
either store or access sensitive information,
password protection is highly advisable.
Moreover, if you use your cell phone or PDA
to connect to the Internet and/or to interface
with computer systems, you need to protect
against viruses that can either damage your
device, or use your device as a means for
proliferating elsewhere.
- For cell phone security, raise this issue
before initiating service. If the service
provider under consideration does not offer
either devices or plans that support appropriate
security measures, look for one that does.
- For PDA security, closely scrutinize the
product specifications and features before
buying. If there is any doubt about what
security measures you can implement, call
the manufacturer’s technical support hotline.
- With both cell phones and PDAs, understand
what recourse you have if the security measures
you expect to have do not work as advertised.
In the least, you should be able to terminate
the service without penalty and/or return
the hardware for a full refund. If you do
not have such guarantees in writing, however,
you cannot rely on their being enforced.
Just like with a PC, in order for your protection
against viruses to remain effective, you
must update the list of patterns regularly
from the vendor of the virus eliminator. |
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