These facts show that the PDA is replacing the filing cabinet for many users as they no longer keep their national insurance or bank account details under lock and key at home, but transport this highly confidential information around with them - with many blissfully unaware of the security implications if this information is lost and not adequately protected. Apart from the obvious ramifications of losing their PDA with all their personal and business information on it, if users store customer information they could also be in breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Therefore, users should become more security savvy if they are to enjoy the freedom and flexibility provided by mobile computing - they can do this by adhering to a few general principles whereby passwords and possibly encryption are used at all times if the information stored on their PDAs is valuable.


In the general work environment where mobile devices are used, employers should introduce a workable mobile security policy and remember to communicate it regularly to the workplace. They need to carry out regular audits of mobile devices within the organisation and make sure that if staff are using their own mobile devices to store customer information that these are installed with a security system which is compatible with all devices which are centrally managed. Finally users should never be allowed to circumvent these access control systems and companies should always use the most up to date software to defend against know security loopholes.

By creating a mobile security policy an organisation can secure and protect its data while in transit as if they were building Virtual walls and achieving the same physical security measures that would normally be found in an office environment.