Tag: mobile technology

Android mobile security to be put to the test in 2013

| December 20, 2012

Android mobile securitySecurity firms highlight spike in malware targeting Android

Android is one of the most popular smart phone platforms in the world. Tech-savvy consumers praise Android for its variety of features and ease of use, but consumers are not the only ones interested in the platform. According to two firms specializing in mobile security — Eset and Lookout Mobile Security –, Android has become rampantly popular among hackers. These hackers are expected to put a great deal of attention on the Android platform in 2013, introducing a veritable tide of new malware that specifically targets the operating system.

Hackers target Android as operating system becomes more capable of mobile commerce

Google’s Android operating system is among the most powerful and widely used in the world. As such, it is often the subject of interest among hackers who are keen on exploiting the information found on Android mobile devices. Over the years, malware has become more sophisticated in order to adapt to the changes being made to the Android platform. While activity in the hacking community remains high, mobile security firms expect hacking activity to spike in the coming year as Android devices become more popular and capable of participating in mobile commerce.

18 million users expected to fall victim to malware

Lookout Mobile Security predicts that some 18 million Android users throughout the world will have their device affected by malware of some kind. Consumers outside of the U.S. are expected to encounter malware more frequently than those within the U.S. This may be due to the fact that most major hacking groups are located outside of the U.S. in order to avoid some of the harsh penalties the U.S. government has in place to deter hackers.

Mobile security to become a major issue in 2013

While 18 million is certainly a high number, Robert Nelson of Android Community suggests that this number is small when compared to the total number of consumers with Android mobile devices. Nonetheless, mobile security is expected to be a major concern for Android consumers in the coming year. There are various applications that consumers can download to help protect their devices from exploitation, however, and these applications are likely to become more capable as hackers attempt to adopt more sophisticated methods of breaching Android security.

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.