Gartner predictions and your business security
Earlier this month, international research firm Gartner released its IT predictions for 2012. Its 11 predictions make for compelling reading. From its perspective it sees 2012 and beyond as moving towards a loss of centralised IT control and an upward trend towards consumerisation of the cloud.
However, in my mind (perhaps my mind looks for these things given what we do), a few predictions stood out to me, because I see the potential ramifications it could have on Australian businesses that don’t take the right precautions. If you don’t have a subscription to Gartner, you can read a summary here (or via the Gartner site).
Essentially, three of the predictions will have an impact on, or are centred on data security. This therefore has a potential impact on the operations and profitability of businesses. To help you prepare, I have summarised three of the predictions that Gartner has made that we believe will be of a business security issue and have then included some recommendations or thoughts on what you can do to minimise your risk.
From desktop to mobile email clients
According to Gartner, by 2016 at least 50 percent of business email users will rely primarily on a browser, tablet or mobile email interface, as opposed to a desktop interface. The implications of this change in usage are far-reaching; from having a more mobile and interconnected workforce, through to the ability to respond in real-time.
However, there are downsides too. One of the more publicised ones of late is the inability for people to leave their work in the office; it travels with them wherever they have access to a smartphone or a laptop. Another con is that most mobile or tablet interfaces do not have adequate spam or malware controls. There are also security concerns on these platforms.
If spam and/or malware are not eliminated before interacted with on your mobile email client, there is increased chance that it will cause infection on your device, which could in turn spread throughout the network. In fact, in a previous blog I discussed the increased prevalence of smartphone malware. Malware such as the SpyEye app is but one example of the way which cyber criminals are evolving to take advantage of the uptake in mobile device usage.
It is worth noting, that while malware on mobile platforms is a reality, both the Android and iStore market places are pretty good at removing any apps which are found to be of a dubious nature. However, it is worthwhile staying vigilant.
Increased development for smartphone and tablet
According to Gartner analysts, by 2015, program development projects engineered specifically for smartphones and/or tablets will outnumber PC-only projects by a ratio of 4:1. That is there will be a 4:1 ratio of new programs and apps for smartphones or tablets as compared to PC.
This goes to show just how mobile society and employees are likely to become. While no mention has been made as to the proportion of business to consumer applications, in terms of what it means for businesses, the difference is negligible. The reason is simple: with more individuals bringing their own devices into the workplace, there is increased opportunity for your system security to become compromised.