Ripe for the picking !
- TAGS:avatar, encryption, mobile
- IT TOPICS:Security
Last weekend, I went with my wife and kids to see Avatar. (I was amazed at how realistic animation has become. My guess is that they won't need actors and actresses one day. They'll just "roll out" the characters they want.) We arrived early and while we were waiting, I looked around the theater, which was filling up quickly. Everywhere I looked there were people young and old texting or playing games on their phones, iPods etc. I started to think about how all these devices keep getting smaller and also more powerful. The amount of data they can store is mind-boggling. I began to think about the security implications of having vast amounts of personal data stored on such small devices.
On many an occasion, I've seen people in the public library I frequent, get up to take a call or use the bathroom and leave their laptops unattended for five or 10 minutes at a clip. Sure there are security cameras but what good will they do if there is a snatch and run? Then, I read this piece, "Review: 3 encryption apps keep your data safe" by Frank Ohlhorst where he offers three options for securing your data on mobile devices. But what happens if someone doesn't steal your laptop but instead just walks up, pops in a USB drive and downloads some of your data? You wouldn't even know it. This is why a password protected screen saver should also be employed. It's your data; protect it at every opportunity!
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