Mobile handset security issues

November 2008 Products & Solutions

Recent trends in the mobile industry show an exponential rise in the interest in open mobile platforms and terminals. With the arrival of this openness, it brings a plethora of new possibilities for customers to implement newer applications. Apart from that, developers would be able to create new applications using all the features of the handset.

However, this new wave of openness also brings with it a serious threat from hackers and spammers. The underlying hardware and firmware of a mobile device are continuously vulnerable to the ever-increasing embedded hacker community. More often than not, the trust levels, which are necessary in the lower end of the mobile handset, are always prone to security breach. There is a current trade off in the mobile industry between mobile user experience and potential data loss.

Frost & Sullivan believes that the right strategy to establish an optimum balance for the developer community and the end user while reducing the risk posed by hackers is the biggest challenge for open mobile platforms. Although new wireless technologies are growing at a rapid pace, there is a worldwide fear of the inherent opportunities it brings for the malware community.

Short range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth have also been exposed to hackers due to their inherent security vulnerabilities. Bluetooth hacking techniques such as bluejacking and bluesnarfing have resulted in heavy data and revenue losses.

Although the mobile industry has taken several initiatives to protect their devices, such as implementing subscriber identity module (SIM) locks and international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) codes, the black market of stolen devices not only provides evidence of the technical deficiencies in them, but also acts as an ideal platform for hackers to learn more about security technologies and vulnerabilities. As the industry moves toward implementing high-end security technologies in mobile devices, the criminal community is expected to consolidate existing skill sets in order to crack the toughest security codes.

The trend toward more openness in mobile phones comes with a serious cause for concern for manufacturers, as implementing advanced security technology over a plethora of available applications is a complicated task. Coupled with this trend is the fact that data storage on mobile phones is increasingly significantly, making them more appealing targets for cyber criminals.

A great deal of research is expected to be centred on the antitheft measures and security counter measures in mobile devices, thereby bringing some hope to the end user, the mobile manufacturer, and developer industry. The arrival of new security technologies promises to assess and mitigate various issues with mobile data theft. However, much remains to be done, and the cat and mouse game between the mobile and the hacker industries will be ongoing. There is still a vast industry-wide need to find an optimum balance between critical aspects of the mobile handset, the unavailability of which could quite easily compromise businesses for mobile platform developers and service providers.

For more information on Frost & Sullivan’s technical & market analysis, please contact Patrick Cairns on [email protected].

For more information contact Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa, Frost & Sullivan, +27 (0)18 468 2315, [email protected], www.frost.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Detect fires in the early stages
Securiton Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The SecuriSmoke range from Securiton offers various levels of coverage and power to suit every budget and application. What all the models have in common is that they can detect smoke in very small quantities.

Read more...
SecuriHeat ADW linear heat detector
Securiton Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The SecuriHeat ADW linear heat detector uses sealed tubes positioned over the detection area, and a remotely positioned control unit detects pressure changes in the tubes brought about by changing temperature.

Read more...
Fire safety in commercial kitchens
Technews Publishing Kestrel Distribution Products & Solutions Fire & Safety Commercial (Industry)
Fire safety in commercial kitchens is becoming increasingly critical. Defender is Europe’s first EN 17446:2021-approved kitchen hood fire suppression system and offers the indispensable safety measures required.

Read more...
Secure, modernise and optimise CCTV
Surveillance Products & Solutions
Industrial and commercial organisations are navigating complex digital transformation processes. With SecuVue, companies can bridge the gap between operational technology and information technology for safer, smarter operations.

Read more...
Protecting solar panel installations
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
Vulcan Integrated Solutions partnered with Technoswitch and installed Protectowire’s Confirmed Temperature Initiation (CTI) Series Linear Heat Detection (LHD) system, specifically designed for harsh environments, to offer fire protection for solar panels.

Read more...
Water mist for optimal fire suppression
Fire & Instrument Services Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
Building owners, facility managers and other professionals are seeking fire suppression solutions that can meet the demands of modern buildings and facilities, including reduced water usage and environmental impact, while providing the necessary protection for assets and business operations.

Read more...
Smoke 'em out
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions
The moment an intrusion is detected, Smoke Screen’s high-powered fog cannons activate, flooding the area with a dense, harmless fog that reduces visibility to near zero within seconds.

Read more...
ESPRIT intelligent fire panel range
Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The Technoswitch ESPRIT intelligent control panel range is ideal for small- and medium-sized sites that require a powerful, cost-effective, and networkable fire alarm system.

Read more...
Protecting battery energy storage systems
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Products & Solutions Fire & Safety
The calibration-free Combustible Gas & VOC Sensor by Technoswitch can be configured to detect various flammable gases, including electrolyte vapours (VOC), hydrogen, and is an indispensable tool for ensuring the safety of Li-ion battery storage systems.

Read more...
IoT innovation in water mist fire protection
Fire & Safety Products & Solutions IoT & Automation
Marioff, a provider of water mist fire protection, has introduced an Internet of Things (IoT) solution designed for high-pressure water mist systems, enabling real-time monitoring, smart alerts, and centralised control.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.