Technology

Mobile security solution introduced in Singapore

By Jianggan Li | 3 November 2008

SingTel, a major carrier in Singapore, has introduced a new product which ensures that confidential data on lost laptops is not compromised.

View photos

Related Articles

• Malaysian govt to introduce e-stamping
• New IT learning centres for seniors in Singapore
• Mobile education launched in India

Related Categories

• TECHNOLOGY

From this Section

• NEWS

Laptop theft has become a major security threat for organisations across the world. The pervasiveness of the problem has made it been identified by the FBI as the second most common information crime in the US, just after identity theft.

A recent study shows nearly three out of four IT security managers have had to help their company deal with the consequences of a lost or stolen company laptop.

The report, based on the survey of 255 executive-level IT, security and compliance decision makers, finds out that 76 per cent of respondents believe it is necessary to protect a lost or stolen laptop with more than encryption alone – such as having the ability to locate the device using GPS and remotely revoking access to data. Around half of the respondents state they would switch their wireless service to a provider with a security solution that protects lost or stolen laptops used remotely, provides auto virtual private network capabilities and allows IT to manage laptops even when they’re turned off.

Amid the growing demand for solutions which can ensure the privacy of any data contained on lost laptops, Singtel announced the availability of OmniAccess 3500 Nonstop Laptop Guardian (OA3500 NLG) – an HSPA product designed by Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs to mitigate the threat of compromising confidential data through the loss or theft of employee laptops.

The NLG allows company IT administrators to remotely lock and disable stolen laptops, hide or delete confidential data stored on such laptops, track their location, and even execute patch management.

“Security is a key concern for CIOs,” said Bill Chang, Executive Vice President of Business for SingTel. ”This service will empower executives to be truly mobile without compromising sensitive company information.”

SingTel is the first mobile carrier to launch such a service in Asia. The Japanese broadband carrier Internet Initiative Japan has also announced the plan to offer the OA3500 NLG as a value-added service over their high-speed HSPA mobile data communications network.