Darwin McDaniel
Andy Linn, vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, said the federal government needs a new platform that can automatically control devices and data access across agencies to improve security and build a mobile workforce.
A new survey by Booz Allen and Market Connections shows that six out of 10 defense organizations currently restrict the use of mobile devices in the workplace, Linn said in an opinion piece posted Wednesday on Nextgov.
He said the restrictions come as the government had seen a significant number of agencies that experienced a security incident involving a mobile device.
Linn suggested the implementation of a web-based application that can enable or disable a camera, microphone or USB port at federal offices or facilities based on the situation, particularly when a threat is detected.
He added agencies can also enforce time-based policies for individual users, groups or the full enterprise based on mission requirements.
“Agencies don’t have to sacrifice security as they modernize legacy systems and entrust mobile devices with agency data,†Linn said. “They can use a secure, flexible mobility platform to equip employees with [sensitive compartmented information facility]-compliant devices that can work as a classified, unclassified or personal device depending on the situation.â€
The Booz Allen executive added that promoting mobility could help increase employee productivity, cost savings and morale.
The company’s latest survey involved 200 government workers. Linn said 86 percent of respondents deemed a mobile device as critical to performing their job.
