CIS issues free benchmark on iPhone security

Set of recommendations is designed to reduce attacks, help in erasing data

By Matt Hamblen

May 27, 2009 02:04 PM ET

Comments

Top Stories

Computerworld - The nonprofit Center for Internet Security today released what it termed the industry's only consensus security benchmark for the iPhone, which is aimed at helping IT managers and users reduce the risk of data stored on the device from being compromised.

The benchmark is free with a required registration at the CIS Web site.

The document takes users through more than 20 simple recommendations for system settings, Safari settings and iPhone Configuration Utility settings, a spokeswoman said. Using the recommendations is designed to help reduce the the chance of a remote attack, with instructions on securely erasing data and setting up strong passwords.

A separate benchmark for multi-function device security provides configuration and deployment guidance for business printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines.

The iPhone benchmark applies to iPhone OS version 2.2.1 and the iPhone Configuratioin Utility version 1.1.043, CIS said.

Blake Frantz, chief technology officer at CIS, said the iPhone presents "security challenges" for enterprises. Some large businesses, such as Kraft Foods and Oracle Corp., have adopted the iPhone for workers on a large scale, although there have been some holdouts in the financial sector, including Bank of America, over security concerns.

Over the past year, CIS has had more than 1 million downloads of its benchmarks, which it develops according to a wide range of standards and with input from 150 members in corporations, government, universities and security organizations, the CIS Web site said.

Comment Recommend Digg Twitter ShareThis

Email Print Send Feedback Reprints

Jump to comments

Center for Internet Security

Additional Resources

Xerox

Win a color printer!

By using solid ink technology only from Xerox, you could save up to 65% by printing color for the cost of black and white. Enter for a chance to WIN a PhaserTM 8860 network color printer!

Microsoft

Upgrade to Internet Explorer 8 today.

Save time and mitigate security risk. Deploy it now.

Sybase

NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY PLATFORMS

In this white paper, IDC analyzes the role of next-generation mobile enterprise platforms as organizations seek a more strategic deployment of mobile solutions.

Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.

What People Are Saying

0 comments | Add new

See all comments (0) | Add new

White Papers & Webcasts

Share our Strength
Download Now

Lower the Cost and Complexity of a Mobile Workforce through Automation
Download This Resource Now!

Top 10 Things to Know about Data Protection
Download Now

Managing Mobility: Improve Data Security, Compliance and Manageability
Download This Resource Now!

Top 10 Actions a CIO Can Take to Prepare for a Hurricane
Download Now

Managing Secure File Transfer to Save Time, Money and IT Resources
Learn how companies are using innovative technology to overcome these challenges and improve user productivity by offloading e-mail attachments and replacing FTP with...

Ponemon Study: The Business Risk of a Lost Laptop
Download Now

Security Convergence Equals Network Security Cost Savings
Listen to IBM Internet Security Systems' take on network security convergence.

Airport Insecurity: The Case of Lost Laptops
Download Now

Disaster Recovery 2008: Reduced Costs and Improved Performance
How long can your Enterprise afford to be without your data? With an accelerated disaster recovery program, you never have to answer this...

All White Papers | All Webcasts