The View From Here: Laptop Opportunities

June 4, 2008

It doesn’t seem like more than a week goes by without news breaking of a laptop loaded with valuable data being lost or stolen.

Why does this problem not abate? Part of the problem, of course, is that people are lazy: They leave laptops in front seats of unlocked cars, at their seat at Starbucks when they go to the restroom and in other compromising positions. They also don’t take advantage of security features that are embedded in the laptops.

Unfortunately, IT may be committing a couple of sins of omission. For one thing, it may not be truly spelling out the dangers—as obvious as they should be—to decision makers. These facts don’t necessarily need to result in a yes or no decision on mobility. They could be keys on much more subtle decisions, such as what data is allowed to move outside the organization and what personnel is allowed to carry it.

IT also must make it clear what steps can be put in place to protect data and devices. There are more options than many people are aware of. There is file-level encryption that protects specific data; whole disk encryption that scrambles everything on the machine, motion sensors that sounds an alarm if the machine is moved; software that tracks devices that have gone missing; biometric features that make sure that only authorized people are using the machine; locks and other physical disablers and data wiping functions that destroys data when given an order to – or if a periodic order not to is not received. Many of these come in versions that are active by default. There are others features as well, and within each category there are nuances and, of course, multiple vendors.

The point is that IT has a responsibility – and quite an opportunity. By translating the geeky intricacies of laptop security to decision makers, IT can do a couple of interrelated things, both of which are sure to raise their profile. The first is to save the company’s hide should a mishap occur – and it will – and the second is to enable the company to enjoy the competitive benefits of mobility with minimum fear.

–Carl Weinschenk