Mobile security

This is where some business managers start to become slightly alarmed, however. It's insecure, they tell you; they don't want people using wireless networks in public places because other people can get into the network, steal customer lists, put a virus on the system and whatever else a cynic might call the anxiety of the week.

Except, in these cases, they're kind of right. The organization that allows any employee to work remotely with their own mobile computer, which they bought because it has a nice sound system (and let's not be snobby, this is fine for a domestic computer) is asking for trouble.

It would be a shame, however, to write off the considerable benefits of being able to update corporate databases in real time, enter a sale now rather than whenever the field rep happens to come back into the office, order a part that's needed immediately rather than head back to base first. The efficiencies, savings and customer benefits are many.

The risks cannot be ignored. "Controlling what remote workers do on their laptops was easier when everything they did was within the corporate network and firewall. With so many ways of accessing the Internet now, companies need to introduce new policies, technology and services to ensure remote workers don't introduce malware to the corporate network and leak valuable corporate information – through exposure to malware or shoulder surfing," says John Colley, EMEA managing director of (ISC)2, a non profit member organisation that educates and certifies security professionals. "Even using VPN technology it is not always possible to restrict technology savvy remote workers who can easily use their laptops to Web surf on other public or private networks."

Management and the right policies are undoubtedly vital in shaping a business around a remote workforce, but so is getting the right computer. Among the features available in the top end of the business ranges are computers with the next generation of Mobile Broadband; with a WWAN enabled notebook you can access the web where ever there is a mobile phone signal with out having to search out hotspots. Just connect and go – what, you're still connecting to the Internet via Bluetooth from your phone? That's an old idea, worth binning. The new Sony VAIO TZ series features a 30-day free web'n'walk trial from T Mobile so you can get online straight away. Clued-up manufacturers provide Trusted™ Platform Module (TPM) file encryption technology to prevent unauthorised access to your data wirelessly, allowing you to focus on looking after your data physically.

Policy is as important as technology, as Colley has pointed out. Employees need to understand that they must keep your data secure, not leave their laptop unattended (particularly if the screen is displaying sensitive information), ensure that they take care of printed as well as electronic information and ensure that they understand what happens if they don't. Most data breaches happen to organisations because of negligence rather than technical faults and hacking; a few elementary precautions and your company won't join them.

Once policies are in place, though, selecting the right computer range for rock-solid security as well as sophisticated, sleek styling, is essential.

To find out more about the mobile working and security benefits of the Sony VAIO professional range click here!!

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Working from outside the confines of the office

Managing a remote workforce