Sophos launches tool to protect iPhones, iPads and Android devices

Sophos has launched a new enterprise offering designed to help firms better manage the explosion of iPhones and iPads, Google Android and Windows Mobile devices in the organisation.

Sophos Mobile Control has been designed to allow IT administrators to centrally manage all consumer devices brought into the enterprise environment, locking down unwanted features, controlling which apps can be downloaded and enforcing security policy.

The tool also enables IT managers to block users from visiting certain web sites, or using the device camera and helps enforce a strong password and corporate email access policy, all from a central web portal.

In addition, individual users are able to register new devices and lock or wipe lost or stolen phones via a self-service site, thus reducing the admin burden on IT.

The consumerisation of IT is a trend that has been developing slowly over the past five or more years, but has taken a particular leap forward in recent times thanks to advances in consumer smartphone and thin client technology.

Deloitte technology partner Dave Tansley has suggested that by allowing consumer devices onto the corporate network, IT managers could save the company significant amounts of money, and boost user productivity.

"In the good old days the best technology people had access to was the computer provided for them at their place of work, but today many people have better, more user friendly technology at home," he explained.

"We are now seeing many of our large clients reaching the conclusion that it's not productive to fight the natural tendencies of their employees."

Alongside the Mobile Control launch, Sophos improved and extended the encryption management capabilities on its SafeGuard Enterprise endpoint security product and improved performance and device control in its Endpoint Security and Data Protection 9.7 offering.