Smart & Simple Mobile Security
By Reena Prema
Mobile security is an interesting subject
because it has really pushed the boundaries of what security means in the
computing world. Originally security meant the prevention of data loss and
malfunction and to a lesser degree identity. Phishing, malware, viruses, and so
on were the primary culprits that security tools tried to prohibit, however
more and more people are using their mobile phones, tablets and other personal
devices in lieu of their computers and this poses a series of different
challenges. A phone for example is the primary conduit of information exchange.
Its value ranges from the data the phone stores-- from their contacts, business
information, financial information (1 click shopping? yep), to the physical
phone itself. The data that’s on that phone is valuable to people looking to
use someone’s identity, marketers trying to understand their audience, or
hooligans trying to mess with someone. Regardless when we think of mobile
security, we have to think more broadly:
1) 'Soft Protection'- Malware, phishing, viruses. These are all still prevalent. Although Apple does a rigorous background check on many of the apps they allow on the App Market some bad apps still make it out. It’s even easier on Android phones to install non-approved market apps.
2) Data Backup- A mobile device is a source of a lot of data, including but not limited to photos, videos, or music. This data aside from its sentimental value, can be worth something to others. What people need is a way to backup this information, and keep it safe if they have it on their phone. Does click to cloud help with this? I would presume so!
3) Phone Recovery- Ways of tracking your phone (and your data) are imperative, especially since it’s so easy for such a device to go missing. Apple has built-in tracking like the Find my iPad/iPhone feature and Android phones have 3rd party utilities like Prey. However none of these are ever fool proof.
As with any aspect of mobile security, being aware and having a good sense for how you use your phone is required.
1) 'Soft Protection'- Malware, phishing, viruses. These are all still prevalent. Although Apple does a rigorous background check on many of the apps they allow on the App Market some bad apps still make it out. It’s even easier on Android phones to install non-approved market apps.
2) Data Backup- A mobile device is a source of a lot of data, including but not limited to photos, videos, or music. This data aside from its sentimental value, can be worth something to others. What people need is a way to backup this information, and keep it safe if they have it on their phone. Does click to cloud help with this? I would presume so!
3) Phone Recovery- Ways of tracking your phone (and your data) are imperative, especially since it’s so easy for such a device to go missing. Apple has built-in tracking like the Find my iPad/iPhone feature and Android phones have 3rd party utilities like Prey. However none of these are ever fool proof.
As with any aspect of mobile security, being aware and having a good sense for how you use your phone is required.
This general view of mobile security could
include these few don’ts: Don't go to shady sites, make sure your passwords not
just for your phone, but for all your applications are secure, and of course and
don't lose your phone. The last I have trouble doing myself, so no judgment
there!
