Safety And Security Tips On Using Your Pocket PC

Pocket PCs are small devices but is very powerful that it holds almost all of your activities, personal information, and business matters inside its bin. For executives and aficionados, Pocket PCs are already part of their lives. They can't leave the house without their most priced Pocket PCs. Connecting to the web or checking an email are just one of the many wonders of Pocket PCs. With all these, have you ever considered the security of your Pocket PC?

Convenience equates to risk. Admit it. A Pocket PC is one very convenient way of connecting to the world without just a click of a button. It offers more possibilities attached with convenience. Although, these added conveniences puts an owner at risk. In addition to security problems and threats that you have to face regarding your desktop computer, you can have the same problem with your wireless device through networking.

The smaller the size of your device, the easier it is for your Pocket PC to become more vulnerable to the naked eye – stealing it or file corruption. You have to protect your device in three security levels namely: network, data and physical.

Network security refers to the assurance that the device will not fall into the wrong hands and other people won't be able to use it to tap into your network. To avoid such internal problems, you have to take some steps in protecting your entire network by considering some of the factors below.

- Disabling WiFi and Bluetooth connection when not in use. This is helpful in saving your device from unwanted outside connections, increasing the life of the battery and stabilizes further security.

- Use notification and monitoring programs to track and detect hidden activities done in your Pocket PC.

- Administrators must establish a governed policy for the handheld device that will connect to the network.

- Always update your LAN driver in order to use the WPA or WiFi Protected Access instead of using WEP.

- Use private networking virtually to be able to connect to your company network.

Data security refers to the assurance of the device to be safe in case it falls to the wrong, prying hands. Even if the OS is accessed, you'll have the feeling that your business and personal data will not be accessed. Managing this can be easy by doing the following:

- Store your sensitive data on your memory card then remove it when not in use. Make sure that the memory card itself doesn't get lost.

- Don't allow any access to applications that might be used to read important data. Use a software like PDA Defense.

- Always see to it that sensitive data are encrypted wherever it is stored.

Physical security refers to the protection of the device from theft or loss and prevents OS accessibility in cases of the device falling into other people's hands. This is also considered as your first line of defense.

- Store and carry the device securely. Never let your handheld device just hang around your pocket or kept inside a shoulder bag. It's better to keep it very close to the body as possible or if not, put it in a briefcase that's also secured with a pin number or attach a PDA case to your belt.

- Prevent OS accessibility. You can at least put on a password or security pin code before opening the device. Use a very strong supported password.