iPhone Security: Protect or Prohibit?

Jan 4th, 2010 | By Katie Luper | Category: Attorney Gadgets, Courtroom Technology, Featured, Law School, Lead Article, Privacy

As a law student, if my iPhone were to be stolen or misplaced and then hacked, the individual in possession of my phone would be privy to pictures of my dog sleeping, text messages telling my husband how long I’ll be in the library and a huge collection of studying music as well as the contact information of my friends and family. However, as we turn into practicing attorneys, the stakes become much higher. Jeff Richardson over at iPhone JD recently wrote a well-reasoned article about iPhone security after the ABA Journal reported on a law firm abandoning the iPhone over security issues.

For Tyson’s sake, there is also the question of the Blackberry. The Blackberry has the distinct advantage of longevity over the iPhone. Law firms have been using the Blackberry since it’s inception in the 90’s and their IT staff is quite accustomed to the ins and outs of its security.

However, the basic problem still remains which is that these smart phones are small and easily misplaced. Although laptops are misplaced at airports, hotels, courtrooms etc. it is much harder to leave your laptop behind as opposed to pulling your smart phone out on the train, lunch table or five minute coffee break. Physical possession remains the greatest opponent of the smartphone. My personal solution? I’ll just physically teather it to my person.

florida lawfirm January 25th, 2010 3:08 am :
I also agree that when it comes to smart phones, security needs to be increased. I mean the worst thing when you lose your phone is all the info you have lost. There needs to be a way you can have a copy of your entire phone online, so when these things do happen you at least have your info.

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online gaming lawyer February 2nd, 2010 8:31 pm :
There should be a tough security when it comes to smart phones because all of your important files is in that phone

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Geoff February 16th, 2010 7:45 am :
Working in a law firm’s IT department, I know that security is a huge issue with all the smart phones. Just like the blackberry, the iPhone can be remotely wiped provided you let your IT department know. The biggest issue I have come across with the iPhone is the durability. The blackberry’s you could drop-kick across a room, but with the iPhone… drop, crack, crap!

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Rex Gradeless Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Interestingly, the third circuit is about to decide whether people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their cell phone data – specifically the data tracking their location. This case may be a watershed moment in cell phone privacy that may cause some in your firm to be weary of using cell phones altogether.

Article here – http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202442083077

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Kelly June 14th, 2010 7:59 am :
Yes, there has been a lot of discussion about security lately. I ran into a woman who lost her iPhone and had her identity stolen. She said it was a complete nightmare. She said she would never own another iphon and mentioned a new smartphone soon to be launched (or maybe it has launched) which has increased security features. Maybe the Evo? I can’t recall. Although increased security may be attractive, I would still find it difficult to switch from the iphone. Especially with all the new added features/benefits of the “4″ coming out in a couple days.

Best,

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