Being neck deep of late in the Windows Mobile security world, I've been interested in finding security tools that can help reel in the growing problems we have with mobile devices. If you've done any searching for Windows Mobile security add-ons, you've likely experienced the same frustrations I have:
- The big vendors aren't marketing them well.
- The little vendors are difficult to find (even with search engines).
- There's a lot of junk.
- Like most things security-related, you get what you pay for.
Overall, there's no good place to turn to quickly in order to find out what enterprise-ready security tools are available for Windows Mobile.
I haven't created a completely exhaustive list of Windows Mobile security tools here. However, I have personally tested out some (but not all) of these programs and, for the most part, they are pretty effective. Whether I have tested them or not, though, with security tools like these, I find that most lessons are learned and experience is gained by trial and error.
Here's my list of security tools for Windows Mobile worth taking a look at:
Antitheft
Kaspersky Mobile Security
PhoneBAK
SIM Alarm
Antivirus
Airscanner Antivirus
Kaspersky Mobile Security
Symantec Mobile Antivirus
Backup
Mobile Backup for Windows Mobile 2007
Resco Backup
Sprite Backup
Device encryption
Airscanner Mobile Encrypter
PGP Mobile
Mobile Guardian
SecuBox
Miscellaneous
Airscanner Mobile Firewall
Airscanner PowerTools (for periodic system management, maintenance, and cleanup)
Bluefire Mobile Security Enterprise Edition (a comprehensive toolset including firewall, IPS, power-on authentication/system wipe, encryption, hardware/application control, and logging)
Secure password managers (to facilitate secure information management)
eWallet
LoginsPlus Mobile
SplashID
VPNs
Symantec Mobile VPN
Bluefire Mobile Security VPN
TheGreenBow VPN Mobile
There may be other security add-on products for Windows Mobile out there but these are the ones that I've liked in the past or that have stood out to me as being viable solutions for mobile security woes in the enterprise. Remember, all it takes is one hole in the environment -- one weak link in the chain -- to cause security problems for your business, and mobile devices are arguably our worst enemy right now.
If you start making small steps today toward gaining visibility and control of your mobile devices, you won't regret it down the road. It's only going to become more complex.
About the author: Kevin Beaver is an independent information security consultant, keynote speaker and expert witness with Atlanta-based Principle Logic LLC where he specializes in performing security assessments revolving around compliance and information risk management. Kevin has authored/co-authored seven books on information security, including Hacking For Dummies and Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies (Wiley). He's also the creator of the Security On Wheels information security audio books and blog providing security learning for IT professionals on the go. Kevin can be reached at kbeaver@ principlelogic.com.
