The evidence is clear. From the 2013 top ten state CIO priorities, our 2012 CIO survey (see chart below), the Deloitte-NASCIO cybersecurity study and overall adoption in state government - mobile is hot. Smartphones, tablets, applications, services, support, BYOD and more are top issues on the 2013 agenda. So is mobile malware and data theft. In 2012, we saw an explosion of malware on smartphones. All the major IT security firms and solution providers are predicting new types and levels on security threats on mobile devices for 2013.
Millions of new smartphones and tablets were received as Christmas gifts in 2012. With the influx of these consumer mobile devices in state government early in 2013, we can certainly expect more issues with lost, stolen and compromised devices.
Based on the lessons learned from the states, it's critical to have a plan, an enteprise policy and execute to close this security gap now.
