It is the Wild West once again. Peace loving citizens are going about their day enjoying their lives and using the technology to make things better. Yet there are those waiting for the opportunity to strike and take advantage of users’ lack of knowledge about their devices’ security. Mobile devices, and the lack of understanding of security and privacy for apps, are exposing personal information.
While there has not been a widespread devastating attack on a mobile device or caused by one, it does not mean it is not possible nor should users not be taking precautions. There are several technology innovations that would attract an attack to mobile devices. The first is the number of devices widespread throughout the population. The second would be access to finances and other opportunities to make money.
In the first place, mobile devices are gaining popularity. While they have not replaced desktop or laptop computers nearly every individual has one and uses it for either home and/or business uses.
“The rise of [Bring Your Own Device] BYOD friendly workplaces means employees are now downloading personal apps on devices that have access to corporate as well as private data,” said Neil DuPaul, SEO analyst and social media manager for Veracode. “It is not uncommon for useful and seemingly harmless applications to be designed to perform tasks that are unrelated and unnecessary to the advertised function of the app.”
In the second capability like instant access to bank accounts, online paying systems like PayPal (News - Alert), Amazon, even iTunes, can make hacking a mobile device extremely attractive.
While it may seem like there is little that users can do to stop it, the reality is that there is a lot that can be done. The first would be to ensure that the device is being used in the correct manner. Actions, like hacking, rooting, or jailbreaking a device can inadvertently open the device to attacks without the user knowing it. Other precautions should be familiar as they mimic regular computer usage. Doing things such as not opening e-mail from unknown users, visiting webpages that are unknown or questionable.
It is not all doom and gloom on the use for mobile devices. Awareness about security is the biggest part of any security solution. As long as users understand that there is information waiting to be exploited, and what they can do to prevent it, then every can benefit from greater security.
Edited by Alisen Downey