Security managers: beware the iPhone

Over the past one or two years, security professionals have attempted to raise awareness of the dangers associated with connecting smartphones, PDAs, iPods, and other devices to business network-connected endpoints. Some vendors stepped up and provided centrally managed methods of protecting information stored on company and privately owned devices. The Apple iPhone, however, does not fall anywhere near the “secure device” category.

In a Gartner publication released in June, Frederica Troni and Ken Dulaney provide a list of business reasons why businesses should shy away from the much touted touch-screen device (How to Plan for User Interest in the Apple iPhone, Gartner Research article G00148854), including,

* Lack of support from major mobile device management suites and mobile security suites
* A clear statement by Apple that it is focused on consumer rather than enterprise business

Further, the iPhone lacks support for popular wireless business email solutions-including Microsoft Exchange.