The belief that “my phone can’t get hacked,” is outdated and dangerous. In fact, smartphones are getting hacked with greater frequency than ever, and mobile security measures are increasingly unable to offer viable protection. As we become more and more dependent on our smartphones and tablets for day-to-day computing and communication, they will become even more attractive targets for hackers.
Source: http://www.niiconsulting.com/showcase/mobile-security-assessment.html
Clearly, steps must be taken, both by consumers and the industry at large, to better safeguard these devices against prying eyes. Thankfully, these steps are already starting to take place, and the end result of such measures is likely to be enhanced mobile security for everyone.
Consumer Measures: What You Can Do to Protect Your Phone
We all lock our car doors knowing that a determined thief will be able to bypass this security measure in little time. But we take this simple step anyway, because we know that though such actions may not stop the determined thief, it will stop the casual thief. Why draw attention to yourself and waste precious time trying to get into a locked car when you can simply go down the aisle until you find a car that’s unlocked? In many ways, it’s no different with today’s phone security measures. If a foreign government suddenly decides to hack your phone, you likely won’t be able to stop it. But being as that’s unlikely, these common measures can and will help protect your device from the common computer criminal!
Set a Strong Password
This simple security measure is often ignored but can prove incredibly effective against unauthorized access to your device. If you lose your phone at the bar, leave it in a taxi cab, or have it stolen from your hands, there’s little stopping you from having your information breached and stolen. That is, unless you have a strong password set and activated. The average phone thief will simply discard your phone when they find out it’s locked. Your phone will still be gone, but your information won’t be.
Update Your Operating System
Operating system updates often seem unwarranted, and if you’re like most people, you probably find that they seem to make your phone slower, not faster. But updates to mobile OS programs are not without reason. Typically OS updates include updated security measures against the latest digital threats. Simply by updating your phone or tablet, you can help protect your device against common threats and hacking risks.
Don’t Access Sensitive Information on Unsecured Networks
If you are accessing the Internet on a public Wi-Fi network or via 4G, it’s probably best that you limit your activity to basic tasks, like browsing the Web, playing a network-connected mobile game, or using your GPS navigation. If you access an application that requires a password, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable. Hackers have shown an ability to tap into phones via unsecured networks; if this happens, don’t give them anything to work with. Leave them thinking, “Nothing to see here, on to the next phone.”
Install an Anti-virus or Security Application
There are a number of reputable and proven anti-virus and security applications available for Android, Windows, and iOS devices. Consider downloading and installing one of these applications if you haven’t already. There are basically no downsides, other than perhaps cost; however, the upside can be not having your personal information stolen. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one.
Industry Measures: Tech Companies Step Up to the Plate
As a consumer, it’s nice to know that you’re not doing all of the heavy lifting. Thankfully, software and hardware companies are starting to take mobile security seriously. And considering the damage that can be done to a company’s reputation by a well-publicized hack, it only makes sense. One of the companies at the forefront of anti-hacking measures is Qualcomm, maker of the Snapdragon processor.
The company’s new Snapdragon 810 processor features advanced mobile technology with tightened security, including a “kill switch” that can be disabled in the event a phone is lost or stolen. The advantage of a hardware kill switch, as opposed to a software-based kill switch, is that in addition to enabling users to locate, lock, and wipe their devices, it also enables consumers to protect firmware, lock down critical components, and maintain control over this function regardless of the operating system. Additionally, by including this function as a fundamental component of the hardware, it should be resistant to many hacking techniques as well.
With software and hardware security measures now available for mobile devices, the industry is finally starting to take mobile security seriously. And this comes none too soon, either, as our phones and tablets become a more valuable and attractive target to hackers with each passing day.
