A client recently called. “I just lost my iPad,” she said. “And I have my company files on it, including all of our financials.” Without missing a beat, we were able to remotely erase all of the data she had on the iPad, change her passwords on the device and her email, and ensure that her critical data was protected.  While the client was initially concerned about the risk of exposure her data faced between the time she realized she lost her iPad and the time we remotely erased that data, her data was protected because she took a few simple preventative steps.  

If you use a mobile device for business, here are five things you can do today to ensure that your data is protected on your mobile devices:  

Encrypt data on the device and backups

Ensure that your device is configured to encrypt all data automatically (BlackBerry, iPad, and Android Honeycomb 3.0 provide the option to automatically encrypt and securely store all information on your device), as well as automatically erase all user data after 10 failed password attempts. This way, someone cannot force their way into the device. If you frequently back up your data from the tablet to your PC (highly recommended), ensure that those too are encrypted.  

Do not store application passwords on the device

With the proliferation of cloud-based services, such as Dropbox and Jungle Disk for file storage, Key Ring for loyalty program cards, 1Password for password management, and Amazon for almost everything else, it is easier than ever to have your data, documents, music, and life history “in the cloud.” While each provider “has an app for that” and an associated login, be sure that the “remember me” checkbox on the login screen is not checked. This way, no one can take your tablet and get access to all of your information.

Do not jailbreak your device

Jailbreaking is hacking a tablet so you can install non–App store apps and have access beyond what the manufacturer or cell carrier wants you to control. While it may give you more control over the device, it removes most of the security controls that makes the tablet as secure as it can be. Besides voiding any warranty, jailbreak applications are unstable and introduce more risk than they are worth.  

Use virtual desktop solutions for access to data

Tablets with large storage capacities tempt users to keep business data on them. Unfortunately, the more data on the device, the higher the security risk. Install and use solutions such as LogMeIn, Citrix, or GoToMyPC to access your desktop computer from your tablet. This way, all of your data is consolidated on the desktop (and editable both on the tablet and the desktop) and all data is kept in one place—off the tablet.

Use passcode and security policies, and enforce them

Establishing strong policies for employee access to tablets is a crucial first step to protecting critical corporate information on the device. By enforcing the use of a strong passcode (do not use the “simple passcode” option due to simplicity), you are protecting the device from prying hands. By leveraging other built-in security features, such as auto lock (I recommend auto lock after two minutes to both save on battery life and heighten security), you will automatically be protected in a loss situation.

Douglas R. Grabowski, Jr. is president and chief executive officer of Ubiquitour, a strategic consulting firm and managed services provider, that develops and delivers services to improve the way businesses use technology to achieve strategic, operational, and financial goals. Reach him at dgrab@ubiquitour.com.