Mobile Security: Protecting Mobile Apps

Smartphones have not spared anyone. They’ve spread to every nook and corner of the world, so much so that global mobile penetration was 92 percent in Q4 2013! Currently smartphones account for 25 to 30 percent of global mobile subscriptions — totaling to 1.9 billion devices at the end of 2013 as reported by Ericsson.

Smartphones have replaced people’s diaries and wallets. Quite literally. People use their smartphones for every possible activity — to access bank accounts, make online transactions, store valuable documents, and to even work while on the move. With apps coming up for anything and everything that you can think of, one of the main concerns for all is security.

Mobile threats vary greatly from those faced by PCs and laptops. Smartphones work on an app-based technology. The creators of these apps are primarily third-party service providers and these apps are authorized prior to download by the operating system provider. As and when required, the apps ask for customer information and store it on their server. This data is extremely sensitive as it includes passwords, account details, photos and contacts. If apps are installed from corrupted sources, there is a high risk that you’ll fall prey to malicious activity.

Protecting your phone from attackers, malware, theft and snoopy colleagues isn’t really a herculean task. If you’ve got the right kind of security apparatus in place, it becomes all the more easier. It’s crucial to understand that an operating system cannot be protected. Neither is it possible to regulate how users use their mobile phones. Security on apps can range from a very complex-level to a simple passcode. From a user’s point of view, parental controls, encrypted storage and constant backup can help you secure your data. Overall, affordable web hosting can also ensure that a sound security apparatus is embedded in the mobile apps, thereby making them safer for download and use.

One company that has made everyone get up and take note of the necessity of protecting data is Apple. It allows for minimal intrusion and maintains basic principles in security. You can download apps only from the App Store. Moreover, the fact that every first-time user has to register prior to downloading an app is a way to ensure a basic filtering.

Mobile application management is a field that is fast developing. Mobile app solution providers such as Symantec are offering enterprise grade security on a per-app, on-premise and SaaS basis. As a part of these services, an enterprise App Center allows self-service distribution of apps to employees and authorized users, along with roles-based corporate security and data protection. Under these systems, the apps can be removed with great ease. This is usually the case when employees leave the organization and certain devices become inactive.

Mobile security and management as a domain will continue to grow and get rewards. The dynamics will further be changed by advancement in technology. Hopefully, we won’t have to witness a ‘militarization’ of security when it comes to mobiles!