Mobile Device Security Keys
Martin Brewer
Martin Brewer is director of research and development at Wavelink Corporation, the leading provider of multi-vendor mobile device and wireless infrastructure management, terminal emulation, and voice-enabling software. A graduate of the University of Greenwich, London, he has 20 years experience with data networking, security, network management, wireless, and device management, specializing in software and its application into data communications.
QUESTION: What are some of the key aspects you should consider when managing or securing a variety of mobile devices?
ANSWER: Over the coming years it is fully expected that the healthcare industry will invest heavily in new technology as it consolidates information into fewer systems and allows access to that information from a greater variety of places. The flexibility of tablet computing and smartphones is making many organizations re-evaluate how mobile computing can reduce costs and increase the quality of patient care. Protecting this information is critical for obvious reasons, and nowhere is it more important than on mobile devices. To secure the data on mobile devices, one of the first considerations is whether any sensitive client-resident information is needed at all. With EDGE, 3G and 4G coverage available almost nationwide, running secure, authenticated web applications over a virtual private network (VPN) is generally a better approach than storing data on the device in order to maintain patient confidentiality. Other considerations include protecting the device and/or applications with policies that enforce passwords to restrict access to only those who are authorized. With device management, information technology 0istrators can identify where a device is located when it is lost or stolen in order to recover it, lock it down, or wipe the data. It is definitely worth the time to establish a rollout plan that looks at how the devices will be used and how they will be secured and managed. This will help ensure the right devices are purchased, liability is minimized, and patient confidentiality is protected while delivering the benefits of reduced cost and improved patient care.
