Securing the iPad and iPhone for Business
Even though the iPhone and the iPad are marketed primarily as consumer devices, the reality is that they are becoming more and more common in the workplace.
Why? Well, they are pretty slick, and since so many people have them it only makes sense that a large percentage of our iNation are employees somewhere. So, IT folks are tasked with integrating and managing them for business. And perhaps more importantly, making sure they are secure.
From an IT department perspective, here are the basics:
Update software. Make sure you're running the latest iOS version (right now it’s iOS 5)
Auto-lock and password-protect. Set the device is set to auto-lock (in Settings > General), and set it to a number of minutes. Also make sure there is a strong password needed to unlock it again. Finally, turn on “erase data.” This keeps the data relatively safe in case the device is stolen, because the user can remotely wipe the data (see “Find My iPhone,” below), then restore it later from the cloud via syncing.
Install “Find My iPhone.” Download "Find My iPhone," which is a free app (even those iPhone is in the title, the app is designed for both the iPhone and the iPad). So if the device is lost or stolen, you can use another iOS device to find it and protect your data. Note that this must be enabled in the iCloud settings for you to be able to locate it.
Establish and install specific configuration profiles. Configuration profiles containing device security policies and restrictions, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, email and calendar accounts, and authentication credentials will help iPhones and iPads conform a little more to a business. Encrypted and un-alterable configuration profiles can be set up to a businesses‘ specifications, then installed on the individual devices with a USB, wirelessly, or emailed as an attachment. This is especially important for employees on the road who tap into a lot of Wi-Fi networks.
Many industry experts say that Apple has quite a way to go before they are really participating in the business market like BlackBerry, for instance. But since the line between home and work - or work and play - is often blurred, IT support must understand iPhones and iPads well enough to keep business data secure.
iPhone. iPad. iMedia. an iCoincidence?
Call us at 508-790-4171 for help with your businesses’ iOS devices and more.