Endpoint Security: Playing it smart

There have been so many news lately about stolen hardware with important data, server hacks, security threats embedded in any new gadget that gets launched (like the iPad), that it could make anyone think all security companies and experts care about is pointing warning fingers towards anything cool someone would think of using. With all these stories, some of which we’ve shared on our Twitter stream, security becomes this two-headed monster that’s there to kill the fun in technology.

But that’s far from being true! Effective security is about playing it smart: seeing what could happen and preventing it, while allowing people to still have their share of fun. We tend to forget that, but that is the purpose to security in general and endpoint and data security in particular. iPods, iPads, colorful USB sticks, netbooks, smartphones, cameras, you should use it all as long as they help you work better and make your life easier. You should use them at home, in the office, while commuting, the idea is to know what threats they pose and how to prevent them.

Security experts to concentrate on everything bad that’s happening. The reason is simple, if companies and individuals don’t fear the consequences, they tend to ignore the risks. The all present mantra “It can’t happen to me” is their shield against all attacks and breaches. So there is a reason and a purpose behind showing off all the bad stuff, but that should never cast a shadow over the real goal of security: making your life safer and better.