The UK Ministry of Defence has declared the iPod a security risk, due to its high storage capacity and ability to transfer data quickly.
The story also states that numerous corporations are considering banning the devices from the workplace due to “security concerns.” Am I the only one who thinks this is completely wrong-headed? What’s next? Removing the photocopiers and scanners? Banning cellphones with built-in cameras?
Security is not about technology. It’s about having a system of trust with your employees. Banning their music players will only erode that trust further, in my opinion.
I can see it now:
Employees are security risk
Esteemed U.S. security analysts conclude: Employees pose massive security risk, encourage employers to reduce vulnerability immediately through attrition, random firing
“Employees have a massive storage capacity, and they know how to use it,” said Harlan Biggins, lead adviser for The Console, a U.S.-based security think tank. “Give this disturbing fact, and employee’s disturbing abilioty to hide critical corporate secrets behind seemingly trivial data like shopping lists and soap opera show times, we recommend immediate action to reduce employer exposure.”
It would be funny if it wasn’t inevitable.
and yet it’s still funny!
What about USB keychain drives? Same risk.