Cell Phones and Security
With the increase in capability and convenience that we get from the cell phones of today we also get the inherent risk that comes with having smarter smartphones. Things like viruses, malware and identify theft, things that we only worried about on the personal computer but it goes to our phones now. Personal security is something that hits at every aspect of our lives and our communications.
Although there are some mobile operating systems that are more secure than other mobile operating systems the levels of security can be easily increased when the user simply take some precautions. Things like this would be downloading security software; keeping aware of potential cell phone scams and making sure to password protect their cell phones.
Cell Phone Security
With the increased popularity of smartphones providing businesses with more tools, now also brings with it the increased threats to their corporate security.
• 23% of the smartphone users enable security software that is already installed on their phone
• 44% think that surfing the internet on their phone is just as safe if not safer then browsing the internet on their personal computer
Who’s Responsible for Cell Phone Security?
• 55% of people think that the individual is responsible for their own security
• 35% think that the cellular carrier is responsible for their customers security
• 15% think that the phone manufacturer is responsible for security
Comparison of the 3 Top Smartphone Operating Systems
All ranks are out of four and all include remarks for the reasons for poor or excellent scoring. We’ll be ranking device security, how secure the device itself is, network security, how secure the corporate network is, transmission security, how secure the data as its transmitted is and overall score, the security ranking.
Apple iPhone
Device Security 0 out of 4
• Operating system can be compromised
• Lacks on device encryption
• Lacks over the air updates
Network Security 3 out of 4
• Uses the same active directly based authentication as Windows Mobile
Transmission Security 2 out of 4
• Full VPN support
• Lacks extra protection of gateway
Overall Score 1 out of 4
• Lacks several basic but critical features
Window Mobile
Device Security 2 out of 4
• Two tier access
• Supports over the air updates
Network Security 3 out of 4
• Certificate and active directory domain services for authentication
Transmission Security 3 out of 4
• Full VPN support
Overall Score 3 out of 4
• Covers a majority of firms basic security requirements
RIM Blackberry
Device Security 4 out of 4
• Complete control of what can be executed on the device
• On device encryption
• Supports over the air updates
Network Security 4 out of 4
• Encrypts the message
• Uses cryptographic shared key system for authentication
• Transmission Security 4 out of 4
• Routes traffic to ensure security
• Doesn’t require a VPN
Overall Score 4 out of 4
• Provides solid security
Recommendations for Smartphone Security
• Plan and address the security aspects of the organization issued cell phones and PDAs
• Employ the appropriate security management practices and controls over handheld devices
In the end security is there, it’s up to you to get the right product and deploy it. Make certain that all devices are deployed, configured and managed in order to meet the security requirements and objectives of the organization
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Tags: apps, Blackberry, cell phone security, iphone, rim, windows mobile