Securing Apple iPads in the Enterprise

Apple has become one of the most widely recognized companies, with some of the most familiar products in the world. Many people focus on Apple’s household products, such as iPods and Macbooks, and use them simply for entertainment or occasional school papers. The reality is, Apple’s products, especially the iPad, have expanded beyond the household and are now incorporated in a lot of major companies. Various tasks are carried out on the iPad in a number of different fields. There has however, been questions about the security of Apple’s iPads when being used in these big enterprises. The use of information technology is helping to develop better security other aspects when taking advantage of the applications this mobile device has to offer.

Julie Palen, senior VP of mobile device management at Tangoe, shares a lot of information in this article. Tangoe is a company that makes software that helps companies manage their mobile devices. I was really surprised to learn that Apple has nearly nothing to do with managing and securing their applications once a business is using them, especially since they’re so popular. The article states that over sixty-five percent of Fortune 500 companies are using the iPad in some way. Even companies that aren’t as big, such as retail stores, are implementing the iPad into their daily routine of business operations. For example, customers can use the iPad to see what products may go well with what they have already purchased. Also, automotive places are using this technology to show what customizations can be made on what vehicles, all at the employee’s fingertips. I like how companies are staying updated with technology and these aspects make shopping easier for consumers.

Unfortunately, there are some underlying issues with the iPad. Tangoe is able to push out apps to the iPad, but can not remove them. I don’t see why they don’t come up with a process that would allow for the removal of the applications. It would make things a whole lot easier for the enterprises. One good security measure that iPads go through is they must pass a certification process. This seems obvious; however, other mobile devices such as the Android are not required to go through these processes, making it unknown whether or not they will cause problems later on. This opens the possibility of a hacker being able to create an app that becomes available and can connect to companies‘ back-end data and retrieve things such as credit card numbers. Obviously data is being managed with precaution, but the fact that this can even happen is stifling.

The article also cites that the iPad would not have passed last year’s enterprise security requirements. I don’t understand how these major companies could just ignore that fact. They should want all of their information, and all of their customers‘ information, safe and sound. Palen explains that the demand for the benefits of the iPad outweighs the risks associated with it. I really like the use of information technology to make the work for companies easier. I also find its use for common customers interesting as well. However, I would want to assure the safety of the use of iPads and make sure security is at its best potential.

http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/securing-apple-ipads-in-the-enterprise-607?page=0,1