Securing Mobile Devices
How to keep portable information safe and secure.
Sensitive Information on the Go
One of the greatest information security risks UGA faces comes from the chance of a laptop or smart phone containing sensitive information being lost or stolen. Such an incident could cause tremendous financial or reputational harm to the University, depending on the type of information stored on the mobile device. Therefore, avoid storing sensitive data on portable media or devices unless absolutely necessary. This includes laptops, Blackberries, iPhones, USB flash drives, and backup CDs or DVDs taken out of the office.
Encrypting Files and Folders
Once any unnecessary sensitive information has been deleted, what remains needs to be encrypted and password protected, so that even if the information is lost or stolen it cannot be accessed. Be careful not to forget your password, or else you may not be able to recover the data! Please visit our Encryption Page for details on how to use encryption.
Tracking Stolen Laptops
Absolute Track is available to be installed on any University laptop. This software can track the location of any stolen laptop once it connects to the Internet, and cannot be removed simply by formatting the hard drive.
Securing Smart Phones
With the added complexity and capability found in a Blackberry or iPhone, added security must also be considered. If these devices are lost or stolen, your email and any sensitive documents stored on your phone may be at risk without proper protection. Please use the following links for suggestions on how to secure your smart phone.
- Infosec CheckIT: Blackberry security hardening checklist
- How to secure your Blackberry
- Securing your iPhone
Securing a USB flash drive
While USB flash drives can be incredibly handy for carrying important personal documents, they can also be easy to lose or misplace. Either use the methods listed above for encrypting specific files, or try these options:
