Uncle Sam AWOL?

Between FISMA, Continuous Monitoring, HSPD-12, et al – Feds are adopting a belt-and-suspenders approach to security.  And, if that wasn’t enough, Snowden’s taught the Prez about DLP.

But, there’s no point in locking the door and leaving the windows wide open – right?  A new study from the Mobile Work Exchange, MeriTalk’s sister organization, shows Uncle Sam’s mobility Achilles’ heel.  This study is based on data Feds input into the Secure Mobilometer.

I’ll try to keep this short so you can read this on those unsecured iPhones and droids – you know the ones you keep in your other pocket…
Let me be clear, these security issues don’t apply to Blackberrys – or for that matter, papyrus scrolls.

So, here’s the skinny on Feds’ mobile security from the study:

  • 57 percent of government agencies failed the mobile security test
  • Only 25 percent have received mobile security training – Digital Government Strategy eat your heart out
  • Only 50 percent have proper mobile device management programs at their agencies
  • 25 percent don’t use passwords
  • 33 percent of those with passwords admit they’re easy to crack – 1234 anybody?
  • Six percent write down their password – post-it note on the back?
  • 31 percent of Feds use public WiFi
  • 52 percent don’t use data encryption or multifactor authentication

And, before you jump on the Fed bashing bandwagon, please note, Feds did better than their private-sector counterparts who took the test.

Wanna know your mobile security?  Check out the Secure Mobilometer and download the study here.

Steve O'Keeffe
About Steve O'Keeffe
The most connected executive in the government technology community – O'Keeffe is an accomplished entrepreneur and tech-policy expert, with 30 years’ experience as an innovator at the crossroads of government and industry. He founded MeriTalk, O'Keeffe & Company, 300Brand, among other entities. O'Keeffe is a fixture on the Hill, in both the House and Senate, testifying on IT, budget, government workforce, and the requirement to modernize government IT to enhance outcomes for the American people and government employees. He is a champion for change, simplification, transparency, and clear communication of IT value without jargon. A committed philanthropist, O'Keeffe has served for 15 years on the USO-Metro Board of Directors – Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Annual Awards Dinner. He started his career as a journalist – O'Keeffe has contributed to The Economist, Government Executive, Signal Magazine, The Washington Post, and, of course, MeriTalk.