Think Your Password-Protected Laptop Is Safe? Think Again.

Does your laptop or tablet have passwords? They ought to be as a standard safety precaution. However, did you know that even if your gadgets are password-protected, a person with access to your gadgets, and technical expertise, can still have the ability to read the data stored on its drives? A password might feel like adequate security, however it is not for a criminal. Do not disregard this reality and think you are safe. If your company information is on your unencrypted device, it could still be accessed without a password.

All mobile devices have run the danger of being misplaced or stolen.  Exactly what happens to the data on your mobile gadget after that? If you are under HIPAA or various other compliance rules, you are required to take violation notice actions and likely face sizable fines.

Encryption is the next-best line of defense. Mobile gadgets with encrypted drives give the peace of mind that if they land in the wrong hands, your data is impossible to read.  HIPAA Breach Notice Rule excuses the necessity for breach notifications if devices that are lost use encryption.

Keep data in the cloud instead of on your mobile device and use your mobile to access data and applications from another location. This will certainly lower your chances of having your information compromised if your mobile device goes missing.  You will still have some temporary and cached information replicated locally as you utilize your device yet you will eliminate the risk of having all your crucial company information on a device that might be left behind at a cafe or your next cab ride.

Mobile Gadget Security & Safety Suggestions

• Encrypt your device. Prevents your data from being read at the drive level.
• Have different passwords on your gadgets. One for start up, one for delicate applications, one for monetary applications, etc.  Don't share your passwords, make them complicated and alter them regularly.
• Save most if not all your data in the Cloud as opposed to on the device.
• Usage an image-based data backup solution. File storage is not the same as a data backup.
• Your mobile devices are productivity devices however your business should not be impacted by its loss.  Think of your mobile gadget as being replaceable.
• Have remote monitoring and wipe capabilities. In the event your gadget is lost, this permits you to track it or remove the information from another location.
• Do not share your mobile devices with co-workers or family members.

Examples of security breaches in the news:

Coca-Cola: Stolen Laptops Had Personal Information of 74,000
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304632204579341022959922200?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection

Alberta Health Breach: Information On Stolen Laptop Prompts Hundreds Of Calls
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/01/23/alberta-health-breach_n_4653278.html