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 More than three-quarters of our respondents’ companies allow employee-owned device  to connect to enterprise email and data. Among all of our respondents, nearly 20% have no policy regarding the use of employee-liable smartphones. This mirrors the early days in the adoption of PCs and laptops, but with the rapid evolution of threats, organizations don’t have the luxury to wait; they must manage all the devices in their company. 

• Enterprises are aware of mobile security threats, but many are not concerned enough to do anything about it. Almost half of respondents (42.2%) state that they are  concerned enough about mobile security threats that it is a priority for IT. Among respondents that stated their IT mobility budgets would be increased in 2010, 41.2% are very concerned or highly concerned about mobile security threats. That said, there is still a large number of organizations surveyed (57.7%) that are not taking action to protect themselves against mobile security threats. 

I compare this passive attitude to the early days of anti-virus.  Viruses were initially created to destroy and corrupt hard disks. Once that changed, and viruses were designed to steal information, anti-virus software began to permeate all networks in businesses and organizations around the world. 

Companies "don't know what they don't know". Until an issue crops up around the use or misuse of  a corporate, mobile device, a company may choose to be reactive and not proactive. The 451 Group survey reports that 18.7% of respondents are highly concerned about mobile security breaches, with 44% moderately concerned. When asked if any had experienced a security breach, 37% reported that they had. If 37% reported a security breach, then how many would not admit to it and how many more issues go undetected? 

We have had clients use our software for just this reason. They didn't know what was "out there" and being transmitted on their corporate owned Blackberrys. They wanted to know...just in case. One particular client found 3 insider trading violations, and were able to swiftly and quietly deal with issues. Another company actual uncovered some very inappropriate messages to minors from one employee... Scary.