Data security distinction must be made in mobile world

The increased use of mobile devices by government agencies has caused IT executives to take a more focused approach to secure the information stored on and moving between smartphones and tablets, according to a recent Defense Systems report.

Specifically, the report stated, IT professionals are taking a closer look at the distinction between data that is at rest and in motion. Many have questioned whether data stored on mobile devices is truly at rest.

The chief of the Coast Guard's information assurance policy division, Commander Greg Czerwonka, said data is only in motion when it is moving through a network. Therefore, data housed on mobile devices is technically at rest.

Understanding the distinction is important, as the separate states of data require different security measures. Armed with accurate knowledge, IT departments can better enforce a mobile device management policy.

As is the case with their counterparts in the private sector, more government employees are now armed with smartphones and tablets. A Government Computer News report published in March outlined the fact that Android-based devices are becoming more popular than BlackBerrys among public employees.