Security Risks for Smartphone Users

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November 5, 2012

Wherever you are, whether you are simply at home, in the office or even if you travel to another country, you would always see a number of people using smart phones. Smart phones have become so popular anywhere because of the ease and convenience they bring. They not only give people entertainment because of the numerous applications that can be downloaded but they can also allow people to transact and do their work through them. Due to these, smart phones should also be equipped with an efficient antivirus software which would help protect people’s personal information and business transactions. Most smart phone users do not realize that smart phones are actually similar to computers. They need to be installed with an antivirus program because they are prone to viruses and malwares. With operating systems the same with the smart phones, users should also be aware that they need to protect themselves and this could be done with an antivirus program installed to them.

Keep in mind that even though Smartphones are designed with added security, hackers are also becoming more and more dedicated in creating threats that could break inside the security of these smart phones. In the past few years, the use of the mobile technology has changed the lifestyles of people, the methods of communication and the ways how businesses are conducted. Businesses have boomed because it is now much easier to transact and communicate through smart phones, thus the reason why hackers have become more committed in trying to break into smart phones because they now have more information than their computers.

A recent study conducted by Carnegie Mellon CyLab entitled “Mobility and Security: Dazzling Opportunities, Profound Challenges” shows that out of 1,500 respondents from 14 countries which includes Germany, Mexico, United States, Japan, India and United Kingdom, more than half of smart phone users save personal and financial information such as PIN codes, passwords and credit card details in their mobile phones. Moreover, as businesses also rely on the capability of their smart phones, there is a lot of work-related and other sensitive information that smart phones also contain. Because of all these information, this may lead to increased cyber criminals that target the security of smart phones.

Because online transactions using smart phones are becoming more and more prominent, the threats directed to the security of the smart phone have also increased. Even small and medium enterprises have to equip themselves with mobile security strategies. These include installing an efficient antivirus software system, applying for an insurance that would cover privacy data breach and customizing preventive actions.

The same with computers, even if you apply the best antivirus protection which would help secure information, it may not cover other threats and viruses that are newly developed. One recommended way to avoid this problem is by making use of Mobile wallet, a stand alone MCP and the stored value system like Orange’s quick tap that uses an NFC technology. Smart phones that are equipped with NFC technology have standard security measures such as strong password encryption and protection. However, do not forget that even the best antivirus software can still be threatened by malicious content, thus the need to tighten data encryption which could be of added help to make sure that data is well protected.

Lastly, although risk management and prevention help a lot in protecting data, it is suggested to apply for insurance that would cover the costs and liabilities encountered during the breach of personal information. Insurance would offer services such as forensic, legal assistance, credit card monitoring and identity restoration. Through this and with the use of an effective antivirus security software, Smartphone users are guaranteed of their safety.

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