Project Pointers; Creating a comprehensive mobile security strategy can be difficult and expensive. Consider these tips before plotting a strategy to protect and manage mobile devices.

PLAN

Assess your needs. Understand the risks and vulnerabilities of your enterprises, says Gregg Davis, CIO for Webcor Builders, a San Mateo, Calif., commercial builder. Not all businesses need to operate with the same level of security. If your industry must comply with regulations for protection of data, you may need a greater level of security than a company handling less sensitive corporate and customer data. If data loss wouldn't be critical to your company, operating-system-level encryption could suffice.

EVALUATE

Weigh options. Encryption is an effective method of protecting data, says Forrester analyst Paul Stamp. Some courts will excuse a company from …