3G safer than Wi-Fi, claims Orange

3G is a more secure form of connectivity than public Wi-Fi access for enterprises looking to implement mobile computing strategies, claims Orange.

But IT managers need to take greater control of mobile security projects to protect corporate information from falling into the wrong hands, said Nigel Shardlow, head of innovation at Orange UK.

Speaking at the IT Directors' Forum, Shardlow said: "3G will provide the security that public wireless local area networks (Lans) can not, and it will probably be cheaper as well."

Orange plans to make a 3G datacard available in the second half of 2004.

"When looking at mobile security, IT managers should either install a virtual private network client solution or they can even connect the corporate Lan directly into a GPRS or 3G network, meaning that data does not have to go over the public internet," explained Shardlow.

Higher 3G data transfer rates will also drive greater usage of sales and automation applications, GPS tracking and peer-to-peer video conferencing in the enterprise, said Shardlow, but 3G network coverage will initially prevent usage in certain areas.

"As processor technologies improve, what we are going to see is people doing more and more things on smartphones that you currently use a laptop for," he said.

Shardlow predicted that the growth of business applications for smartphones would also increase use of mobile computing in the enterprise, but cautioned that IT managers need to put strategies in place to ensure consistency across the business.

"You do not want multiple devices across the company; consistency is needed, otherwise there could be support issues," he said.

Shardlow also warned that IT managers should do more to protect corporate data on mobile devices from security risks such as 'bluesnarfing' and theft.

"Bluetooth isn't a particularly secure technology unless you take care with it," he said.

"There's a security issue to think about. You need to think about what policies to implement to manage risk."

See also:

Wi-Fi threatens 3G profits

Mobile operators warned not to risk competition with public wireless Lan services  16 Sep 2004

Security concerns still plague wireless take-up

Wireless has many benefits, provided companies minimise the risks and rein in ad hoc networks  16 Jul 2004

Co-ordination vital to wireless adoption

The gulf between the promise of wireless and the reality of incompatible networks and hotspots remains the biggest hindrance to Wi-Fi take-up  16 Jul 2004

Hackers exploit poor Wi-Fi security

Update security policies for the mobile workplace, analyst warns corporates  10 Jun 2004

Four-fifths of networks bleeding Wi-Fi data

Most businesses routinely broadcast company information over the airwaves  08 Jun 2004

Security

The latest wave of cyber-crimes and acts of vandalism have demonstrated once again that many systems are still vulnerable to attack.  15 Apr 2004

Mobile working

Mobile working has become a fact of life. In this Computing Special Report we look at the relevant technology, and the effects it will have on your business.  19 Mar 2004

Comms managers turn to wireless

Enterprise confidence grows in Wi-Fi, GPRS and Bluetooth, finds survey  19 Feb 2004

Orange plots 3G future

Operator names mid-2004 as launch date for its commercial 3G mobile data service  02 Jul 2003

Orange smartphone links to office data

Orange's SPV, based on Microsoft's Smartphone 2002 platform, can connect via GPRS to Exchange groupware servers  24 Oct 2002

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