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Mobile security woes plague US government

| December 19, 2012

Mobile Security IssuesMobile security continues to be a problematic issue for federal government

Mobile security is quickly becoming a major issue for the U.S. government, especially due to the number of agencies that have a heavy reliance on mobile technology. The federal Chief Information Officers Council, an interagency forum that aims to modernize the federal government, highlights mobile security as an issue that should be receiving more serious attention. The Council notes that several agencies are, indeed, moving ahead with mobile security initiatives, but concerted effort is needed to ensure that the sensitive information that is trafficked through mobile devices on a daily basis does not fall victim to exploitation.

Agency highlights the problems of mobile technology and security efforts

The Chief Information Officers Council highlights technical limitations of mobile devices and their associated services as a major problem for mobile security. The Council suggests that federal agencies must adopt more high-tech mobile devices that can more adequately protect their personal information and that of the government they work for. Moreover, very few security-centric mobile applications are approved for use by federal employees. Standards are currently being developed to help expand the availability of such applications, which the Chief Information Officers Council suggests will be a good way to ensure the security of information.

Gap exists between technology and practice

The lack of encryption modules also presents a serious mobile security risk. It is difficult for software developers to create this kind of software for smart phones and other high-tech mobile devices because of the rapid pace at which these devices are becoming more advanced. Changes to operating systems and smart phone technology have created a significant gap that separates the capabilities of modern mobile security solutions and mobile devices.

Cost remains a problematic hurdle

Cost is one of the reasons why federal agencies have avoided mobile security initiatives in the past. Most federal employees have smart phones and other such devices. In order for some agencies to bolster their mobile security endeavors, they would have to replace all of these mobile devices, which accounts for a massive investment of taxpayer money.

Mobile marketing frustrates consumers with misclicks

| December 19, 2012

Mobile Marketing Consumer FrustrationAccidental ad clicks seen throughout mobile marketing

Mobile marketing has become a very important aspect of the business world. With smart phone penetration so high among consumers, companies interested in reaching out to a broad audience must find ways to engage mobile consumers. Thus, mobile marketing initiatives are quickly being formulated by companies that realize the potential benefits of appealing to mobile consumers. Google is one of these companies, but the technology giant has been seeing complaints regarding in-application advertisements that could be causing consumers some problems.

In-app ads are common in the mobile space

In-app advertisements are a common way for app developers to generate revenue, especially those that specialize in developing free applications. Developers often sell empty space in applications to advertisers. Most of these ads are designed to be somewhat discreet, or at least out of the way of an application’s primary content. Google suggests, however, that a growing number of people are accidentally clicking these advertisements. While unintentional clicking may be a small problem for some people, mobile advertisements, especially those found in applications, often collect information from a mobile device upon consumer engagement.

Google takes steps to cut down on misclicks

Google is taking steps to curb accidental clicking in mobile marketing through the introduction of a new service for all Android smart phones. This service is meant to confirm all clicks that are made on in-app advertisements. With the new service, when a consumer click on an advertisement, their smart phone will ask if they truly want to follow the ad. If confirmed, the advertisement will play out as designed. Google does not expect that the new service will have any negative impact on mobile marketing campaigns.

New Google service may help mobile marketing

Mobile marketing is a popular way to get in touch with a new generation of consumer, but consumers are often agitated by accidental clicks. Curbing consumer frustration may actually help improve the acceptance of mobile marketing among consumers and help advertisers achieve more accurate analytic data that could help them craft better campaigns in the future.