Tag: security for mobile devices

The study indicated that approximately 90 percent of companies are making a concerted effort.

The findings from the latest study conducted by AT&T have indicated that small businesses in the United States are making proactive efforts to ensure that mobile security is a central part of their efforts over that channel.

As company heads see a growing number of headlines regarding data breaches, more protection efforts are being taken.

Businesses are regularly seeing mobile security risks in the headlines in terms of data breaches, cyberattacks, and even natural disasters such as the tornadoes in Oklahoma and Superstorm Sandy. This awareness is causing those in charge of IT to boost their efforts to protect themselves against damage from these types of events while at the same time they put their own disaster recovery plans into place.

On an increasing basis, these disaster recovery plans are incorporating mobile security into their strategies.

The largest wireless operator in the country has stated that among the mobile security efforts have included the incorporation of apps, wireless network capabilities and cloud services. The AT&T study’s results also included the following:

• 84 percent of American company execs are concerned about the mobile security risks associated with using the devices and mobile networks, and the increase in threats that this could bring about.
• Over half of the executives that took part in the survey (63 percent) felt that the most important security concern this year was the threat of a data breach.
• 88 percent of the respondents stated that they understood the growing need for mobile security efforts and that their own companies already had established a proactive strategy.
• 64 percent of the companies surveyed included their wireless network capabilities as an element of their business continuity plan.
• 87 percent of the surveyed execs said that their companies already had a precautionary business continuity plan established in case of a catastrophe or a threat. This was just a sliver higher than it had been in 2012, when it was 86 percent.

According to the AT&T AVP of mobile, cloud, and access management security, Michael Singer, in a statement about this mobile security survey, “Companies today are very aware and concerned about the potential threats that could disrupt their operations.” He added that “With their business continuity plans in place, businesses are investing in new technologies like network enabled cloud services to help strengthen and expand their overall continuity strategies.”

4G could exaggerate the mobile security risks that businesses and consumers face

Security has been a growing concern in the mobile space for years. As consumers become more reliant on mobile technology, the more malicious parties begin to target smartphones and tablets to attain valuable information. Security concerns have become more pronounced due to the growing popularity of mobile commerce. With mobile payments growing more common, mobile security has become a top priority for many businesses and organizations around the world. Voltage is one such company.

Voltage predicts surge in cyber crime

Voltage is a leading security firm that believes a surge in cyber crime is on the horizon. While the advent of mobile commerce has lead to a rise in hacking and other such attacks, it may be the expansion of the 4G network that could make threats significantly more dangerous for consumers and businesses alike. Voltage suggests that the introduction of 4G speeds could leave businesses, especially, somewhat exposed to cyber attacks.

Mobile devices may not be as secure as they can be

4G connectivity allows consumers using mobile devices to access the Internet more quickly. For businesses, 4G means faster online services, which could mean better consumer engagement. Many businesses already encourage employees to use their mobile devices for a variety of purposes, especially when it comes to consumer engagement. As 4G connectivity becomes more common, these devices may begin to pose a significant mobile security threat for businesses, as these devices are not necessarily protected against the major risks they face.

Consumers and businesses encouraged to take steps to protect themselves

Voltage suggests that businesses should take steps to protect themselves from the expansion of 4G networks. These networks themselves are not considered a problem, but they could become a very popular avenue for hackers and malicious groups that are looking to take advantage of any mobile security shortfalls that may exist. Consumers are also being encouraged to take measures to protect themselves, especially those that participate in mobile commerce.