Mobile computing needs higher level of trust

Mobile computing will not be successful until people are confident that it is completely secure.

And for this trust to be achieved, legislative changes relating to IT security may be required, according to Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, chair of IT research firm Qinetiq.

While the coming years could see mobile computing available to everyone in society, this will only happen if legislative changes relating to electronic identities and new laws on the ownership of data are implemented to protect businesses and consumers.

'The benefits of true mobile computing will only be realised if trust is inherent,' said Neville-Jones.

'Society must have a reasonable grasp of technology; this is equipment for life, technology and the responsible use of it should be part of the school curriculum.

'Legislators too need to be better informed. There are technology organisations in the House of Commons and a number of MPs who are knowledgeable within them. I wish the knowledge they have was more widely disseminated,' she said.

Neville-Jones says experts and lawyers should work more closely during the design stage of projects, but doesn't believe it is necessary for vendors to submit software for pre-release scrutiny by independent regulators.

But business will have to play its part.

'Risk management isn't an exact science, there's a lot of wet finger guesswork,' said Peter Kaye, security advisor to the Bank of England.

'We need to ensure we in the business sphere understand the breadth and depth of the problem. An increased dependence on technology creates a vulnerability that needs protecting,' he said.

Businesses could do much to educate their staff on safe computer use and improve their physical and computer security, Kaye added.