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What Is the Threat: Truth About Cell Phone Security

What Is the Threat: Truth About Cell Phone SecurityBy: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.comPractically everyone these days has a cell phone, but with a rise in media attention towards “mobile security” what has happened to the security of cell phones?
Written by MobileTech , Contributor

What Is the Threat: Truth About Cell Phone Security By: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

Practically everyone these days has a cell phone, but with a rise in media attention towards “mobile security” what has happened to the security of cell phones? As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I’m going to attempt to shed some light on why cell phone security has become such a hot topic of concern.

One must first begin to understand that what is considered a “basic” cell phone today was considered an advanced computing cell phone just a few years ago. Features such as cameras/MP3/video/banking are now standard with the majority of cell phone handsets. Much like the computer industry, the cell phone handset industry is under constant pressure to produce the next evolution of handset with advanced features of processing speed, connectivity, reception, battery life, memory, etc. This quest for the next great phone has resulted in blinding developments at a handset manufacturer’s level which has unfortunately left a gaping hole in mobile security.

Wireless service providers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars on protecting their networks, but have done little if anything to provide protection at the handset level for their customers. Added to the rapid manufacturer developments and lack of regard for handset security at a provider level is the migration of financial information which has become a driving force behind the rise of mobile threats. As a result of these factors, an increase in mobile threats has taken center stage throughout the global wireless community.

Mobile threats may sound frightening as the media tends to give more attention to “mobile viruses” which in actuality are of less concern than other more serious threats. It’s hard to list the real mobile threats in order of severity as hackers, mobile keyloggers, and snoopware are all competing for top placement. These are the real threats to cell phone users and even those carrying basic cell phones have entered into the line of fire. The greatest points of vulnerability that one faces without a mobile security solution are the text messaging, Bluetooth, and increasingly in a number of newer handsets Wi-Fi.

Our mobile security blogs have more detailed information about all of these and other threats that cell phone users face. The reason for the media surge around the topic is the interconnectivity that the mobile community has. Referring back to the six degrees of separation idea that we’re all connected through the collective mobile network, is a quick look into the media attraction to mobile threats. While a massive attack is more likely to be targeted at the wireless service provider level than the handset level, mobile users must take responsibility for their own handset security.

Many people wonder where they can turn for a mobile security solution as there are a number of them that have emerged depending on one’s handset. At MyMobiSafe.com we’ve taken an encryption-based approach which gives us the greatest handset compatibility in the industry, while many mobile security providers (MSP) have decided to develop their product for a select handset or series of handsets. Regardless of which MSP you choose, the important thing is that you choose one.

If you wouldn’t feel safe running your computer without an antivirus/firewall then you shouldn’t feel safe without a mobile security solution either. There is no debate about “if” there is a threat to mobile phones, so take responsibility for your handset where your wireless provider has left you vulnerable. Please continue to visit our mobile security blogs to learn more about protecting yourself in today’s mobile community.

Your friend in mobile security – Eric Everson

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