HOW TO: Increase Information Security on the Pocket PC (314647)

SUMMARY

This step-by-step article describes how to increase information security on the Pocket PC.

As the popularity of mobile devices increases, the security of the information and data on these devices becomes more important. The Pocket PC contains many features that reduce the risks that are associated with mobile devices. This article describes some of the security risks that are related to these devices and how to minimize those risks.

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Securing Your Hardware

The Pocket PC provides many features for securing your device hardware. To reduce the possibility of data being stolen:

1. Use the Power On password on your device:
   1. Tap Start, and then tap Settings.
   2. Tap the Personal tab.
   3. Tap Password.
   4. Tap the type of password you want to use, and then tap a setting in the Prompt if device unused for box.
   5. Tap OK.
      
      NOTE: For additional information about passwords, tap Start, tap Help, and then tap Password.
2. Password protect your CompactFlash cards. The device must support this feature. For information about how to password protect your CompactFlash cards, please view the documentation that is included with your CompactFlash cards.
3. To protect against device failure, use Microsoft ActiveSync to frequently back up your device:
   1. In ActiveSync, click Backup/Restore on the Tools menu, and then click the Backup tab.
   2. To back up all of your information, click Full backup. To back up only new and changed information, click Incremental backup.
   3. Click Back Up Now.
      
      NOTE: For additional information about backup, view ActiveSync Help.

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Encrypting Your Data

You can encrypt your files on your Pocket PC through the use of third-party encryption products. Encryption provides data security if your Pocket PC password is compromised.

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What to Encrypt?

• Your CompactFlash cards.
• Any confidential folders or files.

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Products Available

• The Application Development Studio "PocketLock" program.
• The Applian Technologies "PassKey" program.
• The SoftWinter "seNTry" program.
• The Sofwareburo Muller "TheSafe" program.
• The V-ONE "SmartPass for CE" program.
• The Paragon Software "CryptoGrapher for Windows CE" program.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

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Protecting Your Communication Links

Because Pocket PCs can communicate with other devices, it is useful to secure your communication link by using one or more of the following methods or products:

• Obtain and install the Microsoft High Encryption Pack for Pocket PC. To do so, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

• Obtain and install a third-party antivirus program:
  • The McAfee "VirusScan for Pocket PC" program.
  • The Computer Associates "InnoculateIT for CE" program.
  • For more information about antivirus programs and Pocket PCs, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/columns/viruses.asp

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