Gartner Says Camera Phones Can Pose a Security Risk to Enterprises, but An Outright Ban by Companies is Shortsighted.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Gartner Wireless and Mobile Summit

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2004

Analysts to Examine How Companies Manage Wireless Technologies During Upcoming Gartner Wireless and Mobile Summit, March 8-10 in Chicago

Businesses are concerned that camera phones can compromise their security and employees' privacy, and many businesses are trying to ban camera phones from their facilities. However, an outright ban of camera phones is shortsighted and hard to enforce, according to Gartner, Inc.

By 2006, more than 80 percent of mobile phones shipped in the United States and Western Europe will have cameras. As camera phones account for a larger portion of the overall mobile phone market, companies will need to implement security programs that can realistically be managed.

"Most organizations simply don't have the staff or money to mount effective inspections," said Ken Dulaney, research vice president at Gartner. "Instead, businesses should designate secure zones where restrictions on these devices are tight and can be enforced. For other workplace areas, staff should be given guidelines about what is acceptable."

"Usage guidelines will be far more effective than outright bans because it's not just the phones' cameras that could pose a security risk," said Carolina Milanesi, analyst for Gartner. "For example, many phones can also record voices. Therefore, it's hard to decide where to draw a firm line about what can and can't be used at work."

Gartner analysts said there are a flood of high-tech consumer devices, not just camera phones, entering the workplace that could pose a security risk.

"There are Universal Serial Bus 'key ring' drives, some of which will soon feature built-in cameras that can quickly connect to almost any recent PC and take large amounts of information off the premises. There's also a new wave of DVD burners to contend with," Dulaney said. "Any company policy directed at camera phones should be widened to address the transfer of information from enterprise environments to consumer devices in general."

Above all, businesses must foster an internal culture that discourages the abuse of any technologies.

Gartner analysts will provide detailed analysis on the impact wireless technologies will have on enterprises during the Gartner Wireless and Mobile Summit at the Chicago Downtown Marriott, March 8-10. Gartner analysts will examine the risks that mobile vendors and users will face in a future of accelerating technological and business change. Additional information is available at www.gartner.com/us/wireless. Members of the media can register by contacting Cindy Sandberg at [e-mail].

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE:IT and ITB) is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry. Gartner serves more than 10,000 clients, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the investment community. The Company focuses on delivering objective, in-depth analysis and actionable advice to enable clients to make more informed business and technology decisions. The Company's businesses consist of Gartner Intelligence, research and events for IT professionals; Gartner Executive Programs, membership programs and peer networking services; and Gartner Consulting, customized engagements with a specific emphasis on outsourcing and IT management. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and has 3,700 associates, including more than 1,000 research analysts and consultants, in more than 75 locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.