Survey says wireless security a growing concern

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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - In an increasingly wireless world, companies recognize the potential risk of sensitive corporate and customer information falling into the wrong hands.

And according to a recent nationwide survey conducted by a Baltimore-based company, executives say their firms would be willing to shell out extra cash to secure smartphones and other wireless devices.

The FierceWireless-Bluefire Wireless Security Survey, conducted by Bluefire Security Technologies and FierceWireless, an online publication based in Washington, reveals that 3 out of 5 respondents thought their companies would be willing to pay more for wireless security if it were offered as part of monthly service plan by a wireless carrier. Forty-three percent said their organizations would pay more if security were provided by smartphone or wireless device manufacturers and nearly half of respondents said their companies would purchase more wireless devices if security risks could be virtually eliminated.

“This data suggests that the next step in the evolution of wireless security is for handset manufacturers and carriers to bundle security packages for both end users and enterprises,” said Kevin Burden, program manager for mobile devices services at international analyst group IDC.

Mark Komisky, BlueFire Security Technologies chief executive officer, said the survey results underscore the new realities of the wireless age and the need for greater protection.

“People’s understanding and knowledge of the security needs for this class of wireless device has increased,” Komisky said. “The survey elicited responses that people understand that there is a security issue here. Clearly, users are no longer simply concerned they may lose their phone book contacts or their calendars. They are concerned for and about their companies and customers.”

The nationwide, online survey polled about 1,800 smartphone and wireless device users in the health care, financial services, manufacturing, consumer products, professional services, technology, government and military sectors.

Komisky added that he expects to see a major increase in spending on security for wireless devices during the next several years.

“One of the findings was that people are willing to spend more with wireless carriers and handset manufacturers if it has security preloaded,” he said.

Other findings

» More than 80 percent of respondents reported that their organizations’ use of handheld devices has increased in the past two years.

» 70 percent of respondents indicated that their top security concerns are viruses or attacks on the corporate network.

» 86 percent of all respondents said security protection should be required for handheld devices.

bmiller@baltimoreexaminer.com

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32 days ago: A retirement plan that works for small business

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