Why personal firewalls are a security necessity for laptop users

“Mobile devices and PCs are often the last thing administrators think of when beefing up defenses. An NCC Group survey last year showed that remote-client security updates are executed with less than one-fourth the frequency of on-site workstations, and that one-sixth of remote clients maintain no security at all.

Here are the potential security holes and issues inherent when laptops log in to your network–and a way to protect your users.

Remote laptop risks

A wireless laptop offers a wide assortment of treasures to a potential intruder:

* IDs, passwords, and other access information for penetrating your wireless network and specific targets
* A gateway to your company’s servers
* A gateway to company e-mail
* A gateway to the database if the laptop is used by roving salespeople or marketing representatives
* Lots of personal information, such as credit card info, PIN numbers, and the user’s home address
* The ability to spy on a telecommuter

Wireless laptops are company property that require access to an already enticing intruder target, and they’re in the hands of employees with varying information requirements and attention spans. That’s where a personal firewall can help.”