by John Bordwine, Symantec
In July, NIST issued the draft of Special Publication 800-124, Revision 1, "Guidelines for Managing and Securing Mobile Devices in the Enterprise,” which updates formal recommendations for the secure management of mobile devices throughout the Federal Government.
NIST released its original publication on the topic (“Guidelines on Cell Phone and PDA Security”) just four years ago, but as its title suggests, dramatic shifts in the mobile device landscape since 2008 have necessitated hefty revisions.
Truly, the importance of up-to-date guidance for government agencies introducing new mobile solutions cannot be understated. According to survey results from Symantec’s 2011 Government Symposium, 75% of Federal IT professionals say the adoption of new mobile devices has increased their security risks, yet only 47% believe the government is adequately managing these new devices.
As such, Symantec is working closely with the NIST CSD team to help finalize these guidelines and requirements. We are thrilled to help NIST take a leading role in the definition of mobile security recommendations for all federal agencies.