Brussels, 01/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - Even IT security specialists can be somewhat lax when it comes to applying security procedures to their own mobile devices, Credant Technologies reports, on the basis of a survey it has carried out on 227 professionals. According to this survey, 35% of the respondents admitted that they did not use a password to protect their business mobile phones or smartphone, as they felt it took too long - a figure which is only slightly lower than for private users (40%). This statistic is all the more worrying given that as well as professional contact details, some of them store highly confidential data, such as information on bank accounts or credit cards, passwords and PIN codes. "It is alarming to know that the very people who are responsible for IT security are not much better at protecting information on their business phones than most of their co-workers", says Andrew Kahl, one of the founders of Credant Technologies, adding that if a business mobile phone which is not password-protected goes missing, the entire IT protection system of the business is compromised. The sales teams, followed by the board of directors and senior management, are the worst culprits at addressing mobile security, whilst human resources employees are the most vigilant. The study also shows that one third of IT professionals use their personal mobile phone for professional purposes, even if this is forbidden under company policy. Nearly 20% of IT professionals spend more than one hour a week on their own telephone for work purposes.
Given the increasing number of cyber-attacks and violations of security systems in Europe, the European Commission believes that it is a matter of urgency for the member states - and the companies in them - to become increasingly vigilant regarding the security of their networks. Last April, Commissioner Reding called for the creation of a "cyber-policeman" to provide a fast and appropriate response to cyber-attacks (EUROPE 9891).