By Elaine J. Hom
Kensington Computer Products Group has launched a series of products to reduce the risk of theft or loss for iPads and iPhones. With the proliferation of iPads and iPhones in the corporate world, despite their original consumer intent, these devices are becoming increasingly vulnerable to loss or theft. The BungeeAir and SecureBack products aim to prevent this kind of data breach.
The BungeeAir alerts users if their iPhone is inadvertently left behind or taken. The wireless leash and case system broadcasts and audible alert when the iPhone is at risk of being left behind or taken. The product bridges a wireless connection between the iPhone case and a fob, which looks like a small black key, by triggering an alarm when a specific distance is crossed. The fob can be attached to a security badge or placed in a pocket, so if an iPhone is inadvertently left behind or someone tries to take it, an alert will sound. Password-protected, the BungeeAir can be set to user’s requirements.
“it’s basically a tether,” says Brian Baltezore, senior global product manager at Kensington. “We want to prevent device loss and theft by keeping the phone with somebody.”
The SecureBack anchors iPads to a lock that can be attached to a variety of fixed objects. Kensington’s one-click ClickSafe technology secures the iPads while allowing user access to all controls, ports, and camera capabilities. Available with or without a stand and a lock, SecureBack comes with a master-key to enable easy management of locks from a centralized IT support.
“For the iPad and the way it’s being used,” says Baltezore, “these things are being intentionally left behind as part of their use, so we wanted to physically secure it.”
Baltezore warns that security in the workplace is more than just protecting the laptop.
“With each device coming into the business world, it’s time to look at how to implement security policy, not just physical security,” he says. “These devices have all of the sensitive data that laptops have.”
