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Camera phones a threat to industrial secrets |
With the cost of adding cameras to mobile phones becoming marginal
(US$2-US$5 per phone), META Group says that it expects the majority of phones to
include this capability within two to three years. However, for many
organizations, cameras represent a significant liability or security risk — such
as inappropriate candid shots of employees, pictures of production lines.
20 Dec 03
While the quality of most cameras in current phones is poor, it nonetheless
represents a potential channel for leaks of sensitive data or other images that
can produce unintended consequences. META Group recommends setting up a clear
policy of no camera-enabled phones.
"Most organizations that provide phones to their employees and that are
evaluating new, feature-rich mobile phones should require the vendor or
carrier/supplier to permanently disable the camera or provide a device without a
camera," said Jack Gold, vice president with META Group's Technology Research
Services. "In addition, most organizations should examine mobile phones coming
on premises and prevent camera-enabled devices from entering, particularly those
belonging to non-employees."
Enterprises should set firm policies for such devices and restrict their
acquisition and use. Furthermore, all employees should be made aware of the
policy and be called on to actively enforce it throughout the workplace.
"Although we expect to see some camera-enabled devices used in enterprises —
insurance adjusters, inspections, field services — most organizations will look
unfavorably on the deployment of camera-enabled devices and restrict their
acquisition and use," said Gold.
