Portable electronic devices such as cameras on cellphones and universal serial bus (USB) 'keyring` devices pose security risks for companies, says research firm Gartner.
Cameras on cellphones and USB devices have proven to be the latest headache as far as privacy is concerned, with organisations such as gyms, recreation clubs and nightclubs trying to put some kind of restriction on them.
A number of instances have surfaced when famous personalities have had their photographs taken unwittingly when working out at a gym and so compromising their privacy.
However, Gartner analysts advise against an outright ban of such devices, saying this could be short-sighted and hard to enforce.
The research firm says by 2006, more than 80% of mobile phones shipped in the US and Western Europe will have cameras. As camera phones account for a larger portion of the overall mobile phone market, companies will need to implement security programmes that can realistically be managed.
"Most organisations simply don`t have the staff or money to mount effective inspections," says Ken Dulaney, research VP at Gartner. "Instead, businesses should designate secure zones where restrictions on these devices are tight and can be enforced. For other workplace areas, staff should be given guidelines about what is acceptable."
Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi says usage guidelines will be far more effective than outright bans because it`s not just the phones` cameras that could pose a security risk. "For example, many phones can also record voice. Therefore, it`s hard to decide where to draw a firm line about what can and can`t be used at work."
Gartner analysts say there is a "flood" of other hi-tech consumer devices that could pose a security risk in the workplace.
"There are USB `keyring` drives, some of which will soon feature built-in cameras, that can quickly connect to almost any recent PC and take large amounts of information off the premises. There`s also a new wave of DVD burners to contend with," Dulaney says.
He says that any company policy directed at camera phones should be widened to address the transfer of information from enterprise environments to consumer devices in general.
"Above all, businesses must foster an internal culture that discourages the abuse of any technologies," Dulaney says.
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