This article originally appeared in the April 2011 issue of InfoTECH SPOTLIGHT

If you open up almost any newspaper or read the latest headlines online, cyber security threats are everywhere. And with the growing proliferation of smartphones, security threats are now moving from computers to mobile devices.

Here’s one recent example: A major software attack on mobile phones in March 2011 put pressure on Google (News - Alert) Inc. to do more to secure its online store for smartphone applications. The company came under fire after computer-security experts uncovered more than 50 malicious applications that were uploaded to and distributed from Google's Android (News - Alert) Market.

Such attacks create new risks to corporate networks due to the increased use of these devices in this environment. According to the experts at Panda Security (News - Alert), there are 152 threats designed for mobile devices. Because of these risks, businesses and CIOs in particular are now charged with implementing effective enterprise wireless security strategy. Our feature, “The CIO’s Guide to Mobile Security,” (page XX) delves into the very real threats that target mobile devices and what you can do to help protect your greatest assets.

On top of security threats, the demanding needs of the mobile workforce have established a clear set of challenges for IT. From service to security, IT is now charged with ensuring that the user experience on the wireless network is as reliable as that of a wired network.

Turning to this issue’s cover story, InfoTech Spotlight sat down with Burt Patton (News - Alert), executive vice president of Patton Electronics, and co-founder of the Gaithersburg, Md.-based company to talk about the future of VoIP and other “over-IP” technologies that are integral to truly Unified Communications (News - Alert). Read how in recent months, Patton’s operations have steadily gained momentum in the VoIP and Unified Communications sectors (page XX).

Finally, keep an eye out for our next issue in July where we’ll review the latest data center trends, drill down into the drivers of “Green IT,” and focus on why network operators need a new strategy to differentiate and compete successfully.

Erin E. HarrisonExecutive Editor

P.S. We at InfoTech Spotlight would love to hear from you – drop me a line at [email protected].