Mobile Security: The Battle at the Handset-Level
Author: Eric Everson

For many years there has been a significant rise in mobile security vulnerability which has been largely ignored by wireless service providers. Traditionally service providers have dismissed mobile security concerns by reassuring subscribers that their networks are secure. This disengaged approach introduces the reality of the ongoing battle at the handset-level of mobile security.

How safe if your handset? Considering the proprietary nature of data that so many of us now communicate through our handsets, the reality is that few mobile users really know how secure (or unsecure) their handset really is. Whether you are sharing pricing data or remotely collaborating on proprietary projects, there is no denying that mobile handsets have become a staple of the commercial digital environment.

What few mobile users tend to consider is the risk that their handset represents both to company data and of course more directly to their personal data. For example, one technology that is largely available and is being used by mobile hackers is GPS-based handset tracking. This software can be used to remotely monitor your physical presence and can track your every move. For an executive, having your travel monitored via such technology by a competitor might prove detrimental to your business strategy. The frightening part, which too few realize, is that this type of application can be secretly loaded to almost any handset by simply opening a text message or email.

With so many tools flooding into the mobile hacker environment, the battle for handset security is rapidly growing. Mobile threats such as mobile keyloggers, remote monitoring tools, and mobile viruses are quickly becoming a mainstream problem which is poised to directly impact the future of global information technology security strategy. Mobile devices are quickly becoming the weakest link in an organizations digital security profile which is a battle that must be fought at the handset-level.

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, Eric Everson is a leading mobile security strategist and innovative technologies consultant. To contact him directly for interview or consulting, please email him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com