Users should leverage device passwords

The importance of mobile devices has reached the point to which smartphones and tablets are necessary for members of the mobile workforce to complete their daily tasks. That's why it's necessary to practice effective mobile device management and keep them safe.

A recent InformationWeek report identified several simple areas that can boost the security of any device, including the use of passwords to lock a smartphone or tablet.

"Consumers and companies worried about the sensitive data on the phone should make an easy-to-type password their first line of defense," the report stated.

Should a device be lost or stolen, a password lock will ensure that the data stored on the smartphone will remain protected. Companies can take the capability a step further by combining passwords with a self-destruct policy. For instance, if a password is entered incorrectly, data will automatically wipe after a specified number of tries.

Threats of nearly all kinds are increasing against mobile devices. A recent report from software firm G Data revealed that the number of smartphones and tablets affected by mobile malware spiked 273 percent during the first half of 2011.