Netbook security and how it fits into today's workplace

Not really earth-shattering news, but (surprise) if you don't run a/v, firewall or keep your security bulletins up to date - you will get hacked. I provided a truncated version of the article from Telcommunicationsonline if you want to read the whole article. Below I have highlighted some areas of interest and after the article - see my feedback.

by Kelvin Soh, Reuters Newswire
Wed. March 4, 2009

TAIPEI (Reuters)

GROWTH CEILING?

Netbooks were a glimmer of light in the tech sector last year, and IDC research firm says they could dramatically outperform the overall PC market in 2009. It forecasts netbook shipments will more than double to nearly 21 million units this year, compared with about 4 percent growth to 305 million units for all PCs.

Netbook pioneer Asustek believes its models already include built-in security features and other options that are sufficient for the typical user, said Samson Hu, who runs the company's netbook operations.

"We've got a tie-up with Symantec where users who want to can pay a little more for that additional security," he said.

"We've received lots of good feedback from users, but of course, everyone should be aware of Internet security issues when they are connected to any network."

Some experts say netbooks' inability to run effective security could crimp future growth, scaring away lucrative corporate users who regularly deal with sensitive data. Corporate buyers now account for more than half of all PC sales.

"For most companies, they'll still choose conventional laptops that allow them to run software that protects the information hidden inside it," said Eric Ashdown, senior director for security strategy and risk management at Accenture.

"If I'm somebody doing corporate IT work, I wouldn't be looking at netbooks as a viable option. I would need more security, which they can't offer right now."

But Ashdown also pointed out that netbooks could be protected by the types of customers that buy them, casual users who tend to store less valuable information on their computers.

"Most attacks go to where the data is, where the economic value is," said Accenture's Ashdown. "If I were a hacker, I'm not sure I would go for netbooks. What would I find there? Family photos?"

(Editing by Doug Young and Megan Goldin)

To some degree I concur with the statements above. But the "If I'm somebody doing corporate IT work, I wouldn't be looking at netbooks as a viable option. I would need more security, which they can't offer right now." statement is a little too ambiguous in that Net-b's will not replace workhorse laptops. HOWEVER, as adoption rates increase for Cloud-based apps, and Wi-Max/3G/4G connectivity rolls out, there will be NO NEED to run processor intensive apps on the machine - THE NETBOOK BECOMES A GATEWAY TO PRODUCTIVITY. Just my .02.

Btw, what add-ons, peripherals, must haves are you seeing for your Net-b? Wireless mice/keyboard, optical drive, external hard drive, port expander??







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