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Smartphones may not be so smart at work

Published on 29 Sep 2014

Frew Murdoch

Frew Murdoch
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It seems that smartphones may not be the best devices to use for the workspace. According to Fin24, as long as a smartphone is turned on, it could be communicating with at least three different masters: the company that built it, the telephone company it connects to, and the developers of any third party applications you installed on the device - or were pre-installed before you bought it. It's important that companies educate their employees on the corporate information security risks.

Here's an example of how corporate information can be leaked.

An employee at a well-known law firm Tweeted a comment saying 'Hard at work ;)' and published a photograph with it. The photograph showed the cover of the report she was working on. She didn't realise until after posting the picture that the cover of the report detailed the confidential merger her firm were undergoing. She made public extremely confidential company information.

Organisations should use this three-pronged approach to help organisations limit the risks of employees leaking corporate information via smartphones:

1. Policies and procedures

Organisations need to incorporate policies and make employees aware of this information across the company. "If you don't have one," said Broeke, "download one."

2. Education

Inform employees about the IT security basics – from password control to the danger of strangers. Provide ongoing, effective training for employees as well as a Social Media 101 workshop.

3. Technology

This can be broken down into three areas:

- Internet security: Make sure you have up-to-date security for your workforce's browsing habits and monitor Internet usage.

- Mobile security: Most social media activity is conducted on cellphones – especially if your organisation is blocking social media. It seems that 2014 will be the year where the tablet outsells the laptop. Make employees aware of mobile and device security.

- Information security: Prioritise the limitation of reputational damage and attempt to limit the leak of confidential and sensitive company information. Focus on the flow of information taking place in your organisation.

Ed's note: Follow this link to find out more about information security and leaking company information.

Frew Murdoch is the assistant editor of HR Pulse. She has a BA degree in communications and English and a passion for HR technology.

Christine Botha, co-author of 'Ethics in HR Management: A guide for HR professionals and line managers', had this to say:

"I stumbled across your review of our Ethics Guide published 28 June 2012 and wish to thank you for the positive and complimentary comments made – this was a lovely surprise and most rewarding. I will certainly pass this on to all co-authors of the Guide."

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