A new opportunity for attackers to gain access to smartphone apps from these networks has been discovered.
This week, mobile security experts demonstrated an example of the discovery that was recently made that allows a very simple attack to be made which exploits a code vulnerability in Apple iOS applications.
This vulnerability gives attackers the ability to persistently alter server URLs from which the data is loaded to the apps.
This means that the attacker will be able to change the URL from which the iOS application is loading its data, presenting a massive mobile security threat. This is particularly unpleasant as the victim will not know when it is happening nor that it has occurred. It means that the attacker could invisibly use the data to be able to load malicious links or to insert false news regarding market movements into a news application.
The makers of the applications were not notified of the mobile security threat ahead of the announcement to the public.
The mobile security threat was identified by Skycure and it has, in the past, already notified app makers of this type of threat’s existence. Typically, the developers are provided with this knowledge ahead of the public announcement. However, in this circumstance, they stated that it was not possible for them to wait to notify developers before making this information public. They felt that because the vulnerability was present in hundreds of different apps – including stock management applications – it was important for people to be notified as soon as possible, without waiting to tell the app makers, first.
Skycure, a mobile security expert firm, declined to provide the names of the specific apps that were tested positive for the threat. The reason was that they didn’t want to provide this information to potential attackers who could exploit this knowledge before a solution to the issue could be found. The company’s chief technology officer, Yair Amit, said that “The vulnerability affects so many apps that it’s virtually impossible to alert app makers.” The researchers from the company also assembled a short video to demonstrate how an app could be manipulated by an attacker.
You are most likely already aware that mobile technology is significantly changing people’s lives. You see people using their smartphones for everything from checking the weather to booking a restaurant reservation to buying airplane tickets. The good news is that mobile technology also has great potential for small business owners. To stay ahead of your competition, you must adopt mobile marketing strategies. The following tips and techniques will help you with this process.
Develop and maintain a mobile-optimized website.
Do you get frustrated with mobile web browsing because many websites are not optimized for viewing on a mobile device? It is easy to assume that a code that works well for desktop computer websites will translate seamlessly to mobile devices, but this simply isn’t true.
Not only is the format for mobile devices (i.e., smartphones, tablets) not the same as desktop computers, but also people are not using mobile devices for the same tasks. For example, people are much more likely to pull up GPS information on their phones than on their computers. Therefore, brick and mortar businesses need to have a prominent GPS tab on their mobile websites. If you don’t have the internal knowledge to design a mobile-optimized website, don’t be afraid to hire outside help.
Stay on top of the newest technology.
One of the most important mobile marketing strategies for small businesses is to stay well informed. You gain a significant edge over your competition simply by keeping up with the times. New technology can transform an entire market in a very short time. For example, Pinterest didn’t exist four years ago. Now it’s a top traffic source for many companies, particularly in the fashion, food, and art industries. Keeping up with all of these changes can be difficult, but it is critical for success in this digital age.
Think about developing an app.
Creating and maintaining a high-quality app is relatively inexpensive. Many mobile users love to download apps from their favorite brands. You may even be one of these people. Offering a customized app for your small business raises the mobile marketing experience to an entirely new level. Since the number of options for app features is endless, the potential and possibilities for any app are expansive, with something for everyone.
Many businesses find that including a feedback option within their apps is an asset for their companies. Providing the opportunity for and encouraging customer feedback helps build credibility and meaningful relationships with your customers.
Some small business owners are concerned about soliciting feedback because they are afraid of the consequences of negative feedback. The bottom line is that every bit of customer input is valuable, even when it is not positive. Negative feedback is a great way for companies to let their stellar customer service shine through with top-notch listening skills and a willingness to turn a wrong into a right.
Offer multiple options for social sharing.
Many small businesses find mobile marketing strategies effective because it is so easy for their customers to share information. It is time-consuming and not very convenient to copy large amounts of information by hand or pass along a postcard or flier through the mail. You make it easy for your potential and existing customers to share the content they love simply by clicking a button on a website or app. Don’t forget to include multiple social media sharing buttons as well as an option for sharing via email. Take the time to research the social media that your target audience uses most often. Rather than installing every possible social media button, stick to the preferences of your customer base.
Consider using email and text message campaigns.
In a digital world that makes new options available every day, don’t forget tried and true marketing techniques such as email campaigns. With more mobile users checking email on their smartphones, emails can be a great option for mobile marketing. Make sure that all your campaigns are mobile-friendly and include content (i.e., links, videos) that is mobile-optimized. In case customers are interested in calling directly, include a phone number in your contact information. As text messaging becomes more prevalent, many small businesses are also using this method to reach their customers.
About the author:
With over 25 years of experience in the payments industry, Greg Constantine provides expert business leadership and marketing strategy development to SecureNet (http://www.securenet.com/) and its clientele as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. From Fortune 500 companies to successful startups, Constantine has an extensive background in entrepreneurial guidance, marketing, sales, product planning, client services and operations management.
