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Leading Federal Integrators Address Tactical Cloud Computing
Yesterday during the first annual Government IT Conference and Expo, tactical cloud computing was cited as a critical component within this new paradigm. Joining me to address the issue were:…
Carpathia Creates Government Solutions Business Unit
In a strong statement of focus, Carpathia Hosting has announced the formation of Carpathia Government Solutions, a unit dedicated to providing solutions specifically for federal civilian and defense agencies. This…
INPUT FedFocus 2010
Please join me at the 7th Annual FedFocus Conference, November 5, 2009, at the Ritz Carlton in McLean, VA. This conference has been designed to provide crucial information on upcoming…
Dataline, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Unisys on Tactical Cloud Computing
I’m proud to announce that representatives from Lockheed Martin, SAIC, and Unisys will join me in a Tactical Cloud Computing “Power Panel” at SYS-CON’s 1st Annual Government IT Conference &…
GSA, DoD and NCOIC to Collaborate on Government Cloud Computing
Yesterday, during the NCOIC Cloud Computing Workshop, collaboration seemed to be the focus as Katie Lewin, GSA Cloud Computing Initiative Program manager, and Dan Risacher, DoD Cloud Computing Storefront project…
FederalNewsRadio Highlights Government Cloud Computing
Last week’s Apps.gov announcement was the latest steps in the government’s “at the quick step” march into cloud computing. FederalNewsRadio, a Washington metro area media fixture, highlighted the event with…
NCOIC Officially Launches Cloud Computing Working Group
On Wednesday, 9 September 2009 the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC) Technical Council formally approved the creation of a Cloud Computing Working Group (CCWG). Organizationally this new working group…
1 Billion Mobile Cloud Computing Subscribers !!
Yes. That’s what I said! A recent EDL Consulting article cites the rising popularity of smartphones and other advanced mobile devices as the driving force behind a skyrocketing mobile cloud…
NCOIC Holding Full-Day Cloud Computing Workshop
The Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium will be holding an all day Cloud Computing Workshop on September 21, 2009 in Fairfax, VA. Open to the public, this workshop will focus…
Pentagon Reviews Unisys Stealth
According to a Newtworkworld.com article, the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFC) is currently evaluating Unisys Stealth technology at the Joint Transformation Command for Intelligence (JTC-I) in Suffolk, Virginia. “Unisys…
Recent security breaches have heightened our awareness of cybersecurity issues. The hack and other security breaches have resulted in unprecedented damages. However, the majority of mobile device users have yet to be sensitized to their personal and corporate security risks.
Staples
For example, a security study found that 69 percent of users store sensitive personal information on their mobile devices. Examples include banking information, confidential work-related items and provocative videos and photos. In addition, 51 percent of mobile device consumers share usernames and passwords with family, friends and colleagues. This in spite of the fact that 80 percent of such devices are unprotected by security software.
While mobile device security attacks are relatively small, they are the new frontier for hackers. Listed below are highlights from several mobile device surveys:
- The four top threats to mobile devices include: 1) lost and stolen phones; 2) insecure communications; 3) leveraging less-secure, third-party app stores; and 4) vulnerable development frameworks.
- One in 10 U.S. smartphone owners are victims of phone theft.
- Mobile malware attacks are increasing, with 2014 exhibiting a 75 percent increase in Android malware attacks on devices.
- The use of mobile devices to access enterprise resources introduces significant security risks.
Cyberattackers are typically attempting to obtain access to sensitive or personal data, and then use it to access financial accounts. Some methodologies used include social engineering, distributing and executing malware, and accessing data through public Wi-Fi networks.
A recent survey found that phishing and scams for winning free stuff were the most popular SMS attacks. Unsolicited SMS messages attempted to trick users into providing detailed, sensitive information about their financial accounts at major banks. The mobile malware StealthGenie secretly monitors calls, texts and videos on mobile phones. Bitdefender has been able to break the secure communications between a Samsung watch and an Android device with ease, using brute force sniffing tools. (See “5 New Threats to Your Mobile Device Security” for more information.)
These are a sampling of the numerous cybercriminal methodologies for accessing user finances and data. Listed below are some user actions for reducing or minimizing a successful attack:
- Always enable password or PIN protection on your device.
- Run scans using a respected security and malware program on a regular basis (see the best antivirus software for Android devices).
- Subscribe to managed mobile device services such as anti-malware and mobile device locator services; also lock the device and wipe all data in the event of device theft.
- Encrypt mobile device data.
- Install/run the latest versions of your device OS and all mobile apps.
- Upgrade to the most recent firmware for your mobile device.
- Do not access secure or highly sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Avoid clicking on ads on your mobile devices.
- Do not configure phones to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources, e.g., only download from well-known and trusted app stores (although they are not foolproof).
- Observe all corporate bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and related policies.
In addition, ISO lists some common sense advice regarding mobile devices, as included below:
- Do not openly display a device — keep it in a pocket or handbag.
- If possible, avoid using it in crowded areas.
- Properly mark your phone with your ZIP code.
- If the phone is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the police and to your service provider.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the people near to you.
- Do not leave it unattended – keep it with you at all times.
- Make a note of your phone’s IMEI number.
- Do not leave a device in view in an unattended vehicle.
( This post was written as part of the Dell Insight Partners program, which provides news and analysis about the evolving world of tech. To learn more about tech news and analysis visit Tech Page One. Dell sponsored this article, but the opinions are our own and don’t necessarily represent Dell’s positions or strategies.)
( Thank you. If you enjoyed this article, get free updates by email or RSS – © Copyright Kevin L. Jackson 2012)
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