Symantec has unveiled a data loss prevention (DLP) platform for Apple’s iPad, to counter the growing enterprise threat created by tablet computers.
The new platform will use content aware security to monitor and control what happens to sensitive information when the device is connected to the corporate network. It can segregate personal and business information and protect information on corporate and personal email, web and other iPhone applications. It works across Wi-Fi and 3G connections.
"With the massive growth in tablet adoptions, customers have struggled how to extend information protection to this new consumer tool as it makes its way onto the enterprise networks." said Art Gilliland, senior vice president, Information Security Group, Symantec.
"Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will enable IT to better support their businesses in adopting this new technology, while also maintaining strong protections for their sensitive information," he added.
Jon Oltsik, principal analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group, said the move will help IT departments to protect their valuable information without stopping workers from using the devices they want.
"While CISOs and security organisations want to be seen as business enablers who embrace the newest productivity device, first they need to be able to ensure the confidential data on these devices will be protected," he said. "The extension of DLP benefits to the newest corporate endpoint, the iPad, will help them to satisfy both sides of the equation."
Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet with support for iPads will be released early in 2012. An Android version will follow, the company said. It will be priced per tablet.
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Zenrpise recently unveiled its own DLP product aimed at protecting Apple’s iOS devices and other mobile devices. CEO Enrique Salem explained to CBR the differences between Symantec’s mobile DLP and that of Zenprise. "When we think about DLP we think about three phases: Discovery, where you find everything you have to protect, Prevention, where you can track what people can do, and finally Block, which is not letting it leave your environment."
"So what Symantec has done is take our capabilities in DLP and bring that to the iPad. When we talk about the first to market, we mean the first complete offering. I’d be hard-pressed to believe that Zenprise has that complete DLP offering," he added.
