With threats of an impending credit crunch readily
apparent, business simply can’t afford to be taking any risks with
their assets, especially mobile computing ones.
According to an advisory from Autosafe International, a provider
of solutions for the protection of
mobile assets, as purse strings tighten, corporate and petty
theft will likely rise in a recession and if equipment isn’t locked
down it could be easily stolen. Yet the firm says that with just a
few simple precautions, businesses can help to minimise the risk
and protect valuable equipment from theft and damage.
Commented Gordon Frewin, sales and marketing director
Autosafe International,
“Many businesses underestimate the importance of
securing mobile devices, and even though they may have policies
in place which advise staff to carry equipment with them at all
times, this rule is seldom followed as it’s often impractical.
Companies tend to ignore the risks presented within their own
environment and staff can become complacent with equipment.
“How can a company ensure that everyone coming in and out of the
office on a daily basis, including staff, cleaners, suppliers and
contractors, can be trusted around unprotected, expensive equipment
and sensitive data?”
Lack of end user education, asserts Autosafe, is an ongoing
issue and employers need to realise that it is their responsibility
to ensure security outside the office is perceived to be of high
importance by all staff. It’s also incumbent upon employers to set
realistic policies that protect both employees and equipment.
Concluded Frewin, “The simplest of measures can make all the
difference; for example a safe in the car is ideal for mobile
workers to secure their laptops. We are all guilty of leaving our
laptops in an unsecured car boot at some point when it has not been
possible to keep in on our person, even though company policy may
have stated that we shouldn’t. It’s unrealistic to expect mobile
workers to carry laptops with them at all times so it’s worth
investing a small amount to protect larger, less portable company
assets.”
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