How can department manage and secure employee mobile devices

IT departments in consumized environments are faced with a series of challenges, mainly around acquiring visibility and some level of control over the plethora of user-liable devices.
- Management of user-liable devices
Management in this case has a dual purpose. First, it is about making the experience for the user a smooth and easy one, in order to maximize his motivation and productivity. Second, it's getting some level of control over user-liable devices to minimize the exposure to security risk. A well-managed device is - in most cases - a safer device.
- Exposure of sensitive corporate data stored on devices
There are several ways for sensitive corporate data to be exposed to unauthorized third parties. Millions of cell phones and laptops are lost or stolen every year. Sensitive data stored on the device must be considered compromised, and depending on the nature of that data, a data breach must be reported to the authorities, resulting in cost of up tp $50,000 per exposed device and a loss of reputation.
- Leakage of sensitive corporate data through consumer applications
As employees use the same device for personal and work-related tasks, sensitive data can easily- with or without malicious intention on the side of the user- be transferred off the device. It can be sent via Webmail, instant messaging or other non-corporate communication channel.