Tag: smartphone security

The new operating system by Mozilla allows apps to run over the web, but some wonder if this is safe.

The latest web-centric FireFox OS is raising quite a few mobile security questions as it allows apps to be run from the web, which makes things much more convenient for many users, but that could also open the door to a massive wave of malicious software.

Malicious software designed for smartphones and tablets has been a growing problem worldwide.

The new Firefox OS has been released by Mozilla for low-end smartphones and is primarily geared toward consumers in the South American and Eastern European marketplaces. The primary mobile security concern is that it will face a number of considerable challenges in being able to protect those device users from malicious software hidden in the apps that they download and open. This is already becoming highly problematic worldwide, even before the launch of the Firefox concept.

Malicious apps have also been causing mobile security woes among Google and Apple app stores.

Even after extensive mobile security screening by those companies, the harmful applications can still slip through the cracks. Causing even more of an issue are the unofficial marketplaces for Android devices, where popular app knockoffs are among the programs with the largest reputation for being malicious.

There has been a growing response around the world to try to boost mobile security through company and individual efforts. In Mozilla’s case, it won’t be offering apps exclusively through its traditional Firefox Marketplace app store. It will also encourage developers to allow their apps to be downloaded from their own websites or to be run directly from a site. This could mean that even fewer screening procedures will be put into place before the applications are used by consumers.

This is not a first in the industry, as the practice does exist for some Android apps, though it is not at all common. The reason is that it does raise several mobile security concerns and it is preferred to keep the protection efforts more consistent. The new OS is based on HTML5 language, which will allow web apps to work in a comparable way to software on desktop computers.

Companies begin to consider mobile security a priority

Privacy has become more than a regulatory measure that online companies must wrangle with on a daily basis. As consumers begin to favor their mobile devices more, privacy has become a major concern for them, especially when it comes to mobile marketing and mobile security. Online companies are now fighting to prove that their privacy measures are much more comprehensive than those coming from their competitors, all in a bid to ensure that consumers have control over the data they share with the business world.

Mozilla takes steps to protect privacy

Many companies are adopting a very firm stance on the issue of privacy. Such is the case with Mozilla, which holds a very strong presence in the web browser market. Mozilla has announced that it will allow users of its Firefox browser to completely disable all third-party tracking methods in order to provide them with more security while online. This extends to the company’s recently unveiled mobile operating system, which could have major implications for the world of mobile marketing and mobile security.

Apple and Facebook look to improve mobile security

Mozilla is not alone in its enthusiasm concerning mobile security. Apple has begun requiring application on its popular App Store to receive permission from consumers before collecting geographic information and other data. Facebook, which has long been plagued by accusations of carelessness when it comes to privacy, has also been making moves to become more secure for users. The social network is currently working on a variety of privacy tools, one of which keeps a user’s personal data stored on a cloud network.

Government interest spurs action on mobile security

Much of the enthusiasm concerning mobile security may be due to the fact that the U.S. government is beginning to force companies to take the matter more seriously. The Federal Communications Commission recently introduced new regulations that require applications to inform their users that personal information is being collected. Demand for better privacy and mobile security measures has also been on the rise among consumers, forcing companies to take more considerations when it comes to protecting information.