PDA For Me
Take PDA security seriously. When I travel on the road, I habitually check my shirt pocket to make sure that my PDA is safe where it belongs. Two things for protection - firstly, I set a password which prompts me whenever I turn on the device. Since the PDA turns itself off automatically after 2 minutes, it is unnecessary to prompt me for my password after it has been idling for a while.
The second thing I do is I enter my email address and telephone number under Owner Information in the device. I put the same information on a tiny label which is applied to the back of the PDA.
For those of you who are compulsive, think about adding
a Kensington lock-and-key called
a PDA Saver (#64236) to deter theft. In
addition, you might wish to purchase an AnchorPoint
(#64163). It
turns any surface into an anchor for the PDA Saver. This makes sense particularly
if you have to leave your device unattended in a public location. The
downside is obviously that you will have to carry the extra gizmos with
you on the road.
Companies setting up a wireless network can take advantage of the Pocket PC's VPN client, terminal services and server synchronization functions for network security and data encryption. Corporate appointments and contacts are securely downloaded into the mobile device before going on the road. Pocket Outlook will sync with one MS-Outlook folder on the office desktop. You need an e-mail redirector software to sync with multiple folders including MS-Exchange public folders on the corporate server. Software available: Lookout(vonken), infowave and visto.
Wireless Security - Are public Wi-Fi hotspots secure? (bluetooth security??? Click here)
Both hotspots and the internet are intended for public access. As such, one attempts to balance convenience with wireless security. Security threat is comparable in both cases and the suggested precautions are similar. Ultimately individuals (and companies) have to take adequate precautions when using public access venues.
End-point Security standards exist today, namely SSL/https and VPN. The web browser in your laptop and Pocket PC comes with 128-bit SSL encryption. Banks and other companies use this feature when processing sensitive information over the internet. These mobile devices also come with VPN clients. These VPN clients enable you to access your office network (or file server) to check your e-mail from a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Small offices can set up VPN by taking advantage of routers and firewall appliances with built-in VPN services. In addition you should install a stateful-inspection firewall in your laptop and/or PDA to protect against potential hackers. Personal firewall products are available from Zone Labs and Sygate while SecureClient (Checkpoint) and Boingo runs on Pocket PC's.
These wireless security procedures are recommended for both broadband internet access and for Wi-Fi hotpot access. Last but not least, disable file and printer sharing on your laptop and mobile devices. Disable the ad-hoc mode in your wireless cards. If you have a wireless home network, turn-off SSID broadcast, and enable WEP or WPA encryption in your wireless adapters and/or routers.
Here is a VPN alternative for securing corporate e-mail (Microsft Exchange and Lotus Domino). MovianMail (Certicom) installs as a client on laptops and Pocket PC's. With S/MIME end-to-end encryption and digital certificates, MovianMail allows you to send secure messages to another MovianMail client using the Pocket Outlook application in your Pocket PC, or using Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express in your desktop PC. VPN is not required when using MovianMail.
If you are using web-based email, find out if it comes with encryption. Alternatively, use third-party email encryption such as PGP Personal (PGP Corp). Consider third-party VPN services (Boingo, Sprint, Verio). Contact iCallmp3 below regarding our VPN services for hotspots and encryption of IM instant messages on your IM clients.
Wi-Fi hotspots are secure if you adopt the security procedures as outlined above. To date, there has not been any reported cases of security being compromised at a public hotspot.
More links...
The last piece of the pocket pc security puzzle is protecting the PDA or Pocket PC.
Virus-infected files can enter your device through ActiveSync, wireless IP, and through removable memory cards. Anti-Virus from F-Secure and Virusscan Wireless (McAfee) provide excellent protection from viruses. In addition, the PDA has to be protected from theft or accidental loss by encrypting the data stored in the device. PDASecure (trustdigital) is a product that encrypt your PDA. A pin/password must be entered before accessing or synchronizing the data in your PDA. After three incorrect password attemtps, the device will be locked out. PDASecure can disable unauthorized infrared beaming of PDA data.
Symantec has a good antivirus program too.
CodeWalletPro (DeveloperOne) is an electronic organizer where you enter sensitive information in individual wallets. These wallets are automatically encrypted with passwords. The wallets are protected but not your PDA.
>> Are Bluetooth devices secure?
Beware - the car or stranger standing next to you could be your hacker! Why? Bluetooth-enabled smartphones are everywhere in public places. Here is what you can do to protect yourself. * enable Bluetooth's nondiscoverable mode * pair your encrypted devices with a strong 8-character PIN code only at a private location * never accept anonymous pairing requests from mobile devices * update security patches for your Bluetooth device. Otherwise hackers may gain access to cell phone calls, personal information, and your text messages. So be warned. Make bluetooth wireless security part of your lifestyle.
If you have a wireless home network, turn-off SSID broadcast, and enable WEP or WPA encryption in your wireless adapters and/or routers.
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