Cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have become indispensable tools for today's highly mobile workforce. Small and relatively inexpensive, these devices can be used for many functions, including sending and receiving email, storing documents, delivering presentations, and remotely accessing data. While these devices provide productivity benefits, they also pose new risks to an organization’s security.

This document provides an overview of cell phone and PDA devices in use today and offers insights into making informed information technology security decisions on their treatment. The document gives details about the threats and technology risks associated with these devices and the available safeguards to mitigate them. Organizations can use this information to enhance security and reduce incidents involving handheld devices.