IT managers feel the mobile/cloud fear and do it anyway

IT managers in the UK are united in their concerns about mobile devices and cloud in the workplace, with 71 per cent worried about security issues and more than a third doubting they can centrally control such technology, according to a study by YouGov.


This fear is not however halting the trend of introducing mobile devices onto corporate networks, or hindering the adoption of cloud systems, with 72 per cent of the leaders surveyed saying their concerns are outweighed by the benefits the latest technology bring.

The problems facing managers are bigger than the obvious threat of malware and virus infections, with data protection breaches equalling financial penalties and damaging the organisation’s reputation.  But is the problem the inherent weakness of new mediums for storing the information, or lack of basic care when it comes to data?

For example, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found that the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) had breached data protection when a mobile device containing un-encrypted information, regarding some cases of individuals physical and mental health, was stolen from an employee’s home.

“The ICO’s guidance is clear: all personal information – the loss of which is liable to cause individuals damage and distress - must be encrypted.  This is one of the most basic security measures and is not expensive to put in place - yet we continue to see incidents being reported to us,” says ICO head of enforcement Sally-Anne Poole.

The IT industry is certainly changing at a rapid rate, but the basic principles that underline all technology have not changed.  Poor control will inevitably lead to problems and perhaps IT managers fearful of new technology need to treat it like any other asset - with care and attention.