Ask Slashdot: Managing Encrypted Android Devices In State and Local Gov't?

An anonymous reader writes "I am a systems administrator for a mid size state agency. We currently offer Blackberries to our staff, but we are migrating to Android devices in the near future. Since phones have sensative data (email, documents, etc.), what is a good choice for encrypting that data? Options abound, like OS-level encryption from Motorola and Samsung, 3rd party apps from GoTrusted and even a LUKS port for Android. Does anyone have experience managing encrypted Android devices? What are the important features I should be looking at? Many thanks in advance." (And, for that matter, are there good options for doing the same with iPhones? Other options to consider?)

Comments

Don't encrypt

[Anonymous Coward]

If the state isn't doing anything wrong, it doesn't have anything to hide.

Re:Don't encrypt

[masternerdguy]

It doesn't just have to do with hiding immoral actions (btw we don't even know what agency he works for -- he could be fracking parks and recreations), it also prevents tampering.

I encrypt the disks on my computers not to hide anything, I will gladly decrypt my disk for the FBI if they ever asked, but to prevent outside tampering. Without encryption, an adversary can just load up a linux live cd and tamper with anything they want with root access. By encrypting the entire disk I can prevent that sort of tampering. They can still boot a live cd, but they can't tamper with the installed operating system or the data.

Besides, there is a metric ton of personal information on any smart phone. How would you like Joe the Laptop Thief to get access to your Google account, or possibly even login information for your online banking?

Re:Don't encrypt

[Last_Available_Usern]

What about personally identifiable information? Should SSN's be flying around unencrypted? Just because encryption is used to conceal wrongdoing doesn't mean it's always used for that purpose.

Re:Don't encrypt

[AmiMoJo]

I encrypt because I do have things to hide. I'm a normal person. Everyone has things they want to keep private. You wouldn't be happy getting your bank statements on the back of a postcard, would you?

Hiding stuff is normal. Everyone needs privacy. There is nothing wrong with it.

Re:iPhone

[jmorris42]

Nice propeller spinning but forget all that crap and lets get real.

If you want to enforce privacy of information you do two simple things.

YOU DON"T F*CKING ALLOW IT TO WALK OUT THE FRONT DOOR.

YOU DON"T ALLOW IT TO BE MOVED TO DEVICES OUTSIDE OF YOUR DIRECT CONTROL.

So just say no to BYOD, let em screech and bitch all they want. Tell em straight up, if your can't work without your precious iPad then go find an employer who doesn't need to deal with laws enforcing privacy. And good luck with that in this crappy economy. Just say no to portable devices, period, unless there is a truly compelling need. Data collection and off site archiving come to mind.

Otherwise admit you really don't care about privacy at all and get on with it and, again, you don't need to spend a lot of money on tech that won't actually work when it comes to crunch time with end user idiots.

Re:iPhone

[rhsanborn]

This is why IT people have such a bad reputation. Yes, portable devices are a security risk. Our job, as IT professionals, is to come up with solutions. On the same bent, I suppose you'd also cut the link to the Internet. Wait, you obviously haven't, because you're posting on Slashdot. But you came up with clever ways to protect your system from the Internet? Then why don't you start working on coming up with ways to secure mobile devices.

The obstructionism is well intentioned, but we have an obligation to try to support the needs of the business. Staff are more mobile, and the business is benefiting by having people more connected and better able to make decisions, even when they aren't sitting in front of a PC. So, let's make it secure.