Survey Reveals Enterprises Still Have Trouble Facilitating Mobile Working

From the Struggles Managing Laptop Security Settings to Managing Connectivity Agents, Fiberlink Survey Pinpoints the Pain Points

BLUE BELL, Pa., June 23, 2008 – Fiberlink Communications Corporation, the trusted expert for simple, secure mobile working, announced survey results that reveal IT has trouble connecting remote employees to the resources they need to be productive away from the office. Even in today’s increasing mobile world, Fiberlink’s survey found that 40 percent of IT managers say it is “difficult” to connect mobile employees to their corporate network. On top of that, one out of three say it is difficult to protect proprietary information on employee laptops. Fiberlink’s recent survey identifies the main difficulties of getting mobile employees connected and updating laptop security, and it illuminates the potential IT security risks that result from these challenges.

"Enterprise mobility is a continuing trend that isn’t going to slow or stop. Yet, surprisingly, companies still do not have control of the critical components of mobility -- access and security," said Kitty Weldon, senior analyst at Current Analysis. "Companies would save time and money if they were able to simultaneously manage these aspects, and the ramifications for no management at all hold serious consequences, as we’ve seen in the media over the past few years.”

The survey of 333 IT staff at companies with more than 500 employees asserts that while 30 percent of IT say they deal with 70 to 100 percent of employees working remotely at least once a week, IT finds it difficult to get employees connected and keep the information on their laptops secure. 

The survey results around the security of laptops are alarming, especially when punctuated by the fact that 43 percent of these people report that an employee’s laptop was lost, and 40 percent report that an employee’s laptop was stolen. Further, 20 percent of respondents said that their companies do not have a plan in place in the event of a lost or stolen laptop. It is difficult to get security to roaming laptops, a majority have experienced a laptop loss, and yet there are still companies with no contingency plans.

Security of Remote Devices - Key Findings:

• 34% say that it is difficult to protect proprietary information on mobile devices
• Nearly 40% say that it is difficult to prevent employees from logging onto unsecured wireless networks (37%)
• Almost one third say it is difficult to prevent employees from changing security settings on laptops (28%)
• Approximately a quarter say it is difficult to distribute security updates on a timely basis to mobile laptops (27%)

Remote Access - Key Findings:

• Nearly 40% of IT say that it is difficult to prevent employees from logging onto unsecured wireless networks (37%)
• One in five say that it is difficult to connect mobile employees to the company’s main network
• 62% say laptops in their organization have more than three wireless connectivity agents; some manage as many as nine

When comparing the management of LAN-based employees to that of remote employees, there is a large disparity. Eighty-six percent of survey respondents say that they have different programs in place to manage security for the two groups. Additionally, eighty percent say that remote and mobile users require more support from the help desk than desktop and LAN-based users do. These two groups are different, but could be managed simultaneously with ease.

“Companies are working to manage the two-headed monster of mobility. Fiberlink offers a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use solution that manages both components and can be applied to both laptops and desktops alike, greatly simplifying management and saving money,” said Jim Szafranski, vice president of product management and marketing at Fiberlink Communications.

Survey Description and Methodology
The Fiberlink IT Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between February 5 and February 10, 2008 using an email invitation and an online survey. The sample size was 333 IT staff at companies with more than 500 employees. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 5.7 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

*Note to media: The full report can be obtained by sending an e-mail to ssutton@fiberlink.com.

About Fiberlink
Fiberlink simplifies and secures mobile working with innovative software and services, built for the enterprise. Today’s enterprises require both security and mobility, and Fiberlink delivers both without compromise.  Fiberlink’s advanced technology protects mobile workers from hackers, viruses, loss, theft, “data leakage” and other hazards brought on by mobile computing. Market research firm Current Analysis recognizes Fiberlink for its leadership in delivering secure mobility solutions. Fiberlink is the trusted mobility provider for companies such as Continental Airlines, and Grant Thornton. Additional information about Fiberlink is available at www.fiberlink.com.

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