As tablet use rises, security measures must be introduced

Many businesses are finding tablet computers useful for boosting productivity and flexibility in the workplace. However, according to one industry observer, businesses must be mindful of the security implications of the new technology.

Though the practice is by no means perfect, most businesses understand the importance of protecting desktop and laptop computers from malware and other security threats. The same rule applies to tablets, but as business journalist Heather Clancy notes, many businesses fail to take the necessary steps to protect their technology.

Writing for technology publication ZDNet, Clancy asserts that there are a number of security measures businesses can take, including access control, data encryption and password protection.

Additionally, one measure that is quickly gaining favor is the cloud. In recent years, cloud computing has become one of the most talked-about technologies in the enterprise sector. Rather than store information on the device itself, the cloud enables users to house data on a hosted server, where it is protected from other threats and risks that may breach a company's IT network.

As enterprise tablet adoption grows, cloud computing will follow suit. According to research firm In-Stat, US businesses are expected to spend $13 billion on the cloud by 2014 -- a 400 percent increase from 2011 figures.