Tag: mobile security technology

Mobile security platform launched by Comcast

| February 12, 2013

mobile security comcastComcast takes aim at mobile security

Comcast, one of the largest communications companies in the U.S., has launched a new mobile security application for smart phones and tablets. The applications, called Constant Guard Mobile, aims to address the growing issue of mobile security  and help protect consumers from exploitation. Comcast claims that new threats are emerging in the mobile space on a nearly daily basis. Without adequate protection, a consumer’s information is prone to theft and can be used to nefarious ends.

Cybercrime is becoming a very serious threat in the US

Comcast Vice President of Strategic Services suggests that cybercrime is becoming more common throughout the mobile world. Mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, are very attractive targets for hackers because of the kind of information that is stored on them. Consumers often use their mobile devices to check their bank accounts, make purchases, and share personal information. Because mobile devices are so important to consumers throughout the U.S., Comcast is taking steps to address any mobile security concerns these people may have.

Security platform may help protect consumers

Comcast is the first Internet service company in the country to offer mobile security services for smart phones and tablets. The Constant Guard Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The company is developing a desktop version of the security suite and intend to offer this version as a new way for PC users to protect themselves while online. Comcast believes that the platform will help keep consumers safe from hacking attempts, malware, and other forms of cybercrime.

Reliance on mobile technology breeds new concerns for security

Mobile security is becoming more of a problem as people begin to rely more heavily on their mobile devices. In the early years of mobile technology, mobile phones where very limited in the amount of information they contained. Now, however, many people pour their entire lives into their mobile devices, making them valuable targets for malicious parties that may benefit through the use of this information. Comcast is one among several companies that is working to improve the access consumers have to comprehensive mobile security solutions.

Mobile security in a poor state according to US FTC

| February 5, 2013

Mobile Security FTCMobile security attracts attention of FTC

Mobile security is a potential catastrophic problem, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection. The federal government has been pushing for more comprehensive mobile security measures to be put in place throughout the country. Mobile applications and the information they collect from consumers has, thus far, been the primary focus of the government’s mobile security concerns, with the FTC aiming to hold applications developers and companies responsible for the information that they collect.

FTC targeting companies collecting consumer information

The issue of mobile security has become more pronounced since the FTC filed a case against Compete, a search marketing firm. Compete uses technology to collect personal data from consumers using its services, without providing these consumers with information about how this data will be used. In the case,  the FTC has prohibited the company from collecting consumer information without the express consent of the consumer. The FTC also closed several cases against companies concerning the use of software that was being used to deliberately spy on consumers.

Google runs afoul of federal government

Google was also targeted by the FTC in late 2012 for circumventing the protocols of Apple’s Safari Internet browser to introduce users to targeted advertisements. The massive technology company was fined a record setting penalty of $22.5 million for breaching mobile security standards. FTC officials are likening the current state of the country’s mobile security practices to the “wild, wild west,” suggesting that many companies operating in the mobile space have little to no concern for mobile security.

Mobile security recommendations coming from the FTC

The FTC is currently developing recommendations concerning mobile security standards titled “Building Trust Through Transparency.” These recommendations are meant to help ensure the protection of consumer information, keeping this data safe from exploitation by marketers and similar groups. The initial recommendations will focus on companies collecting information from mobile consumers. In the future, the FTC will focus more closely on application developers, hoping to further bolster mobile security for consumers.