Vision 2011: Symantec boosts iPad security with data loss prevention tool

BARCELONA: Symantec gave IT teams tasked with enabling enterprise use of Apple iPads a helping hand on Tuesday with the announcemet of a data loss prevention (DLP) product designed specifically for the hugely popular tablet.

Symantec DLP for Tablet, available first for the Apple device, expands the security firm's Symantec DLP and Mobile Management portfolio.

Symantec research released at Vision on Tuesday showed that 47 per cent of organisations believe mobile computing is making it more difficult to provide online security, and 45 per cent identified the consumerisation of IT as a concern.

Symantec DLP for Tablet allows organisations to reap the productivity benefits of staff use of iPads while monitoring and controlling the transmission of confidential data, the firm said.

The tool monitors data flows across corporate and personal email, web communications and common applications, whether connected via 3G or Wi-Fi and analysts said it would be an appealing offer for IT managers.

"Chief information officers and security organisations want to be seen as business enablers who embrace the newest productivity device, but first they need to ensure that confidential data on these devices will be protected," said Jon Oltsik, principal analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group.

"The extension of DLP benefits to the newest corporate endpoint - the iPad - will help them to satisfy both sides of the equation."

The product will help restore "security and flexibility and put IT back in the driving seat", according to Symantec's enterprise products and services president, Francis de Souza.

It will be set for launch by early 2012, with an Android version to folow shortly.