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When the technology was not much advanced, you had to rely on the mercy and support of your neighbors to help you keep a watch on your house while you were away. Now with the different advanced technologies available in the market and the private companies offering their service to you, you can leave your house easily without any tensions and yet monitor your home using your mobile phone.
The GPS Method
There are plenty of ways that help you monitor your home using your mobile phone even if you are miles away. One of the methods employs the use of GPS systems that can be placed in areas of importance inside the essential or valuable items in your home. If someone breaks into your house and removes the item, you get an alert on your Smartphone. As soon as you get the alert, you get into touch with your GPS service provider and the latter checks out the position of the item that conceals the GPS tracker. If it is at the same place, there is no problem; else it becomes the duty of the GPS service provider to track the item while informing the police of the theft. Together, they trace the item carrying GPS transmitter to nab the culprits.
Using Surveillance Methods
You can use different surveillance equipments in different and important places in your home and connect all the equipments to your PC through a hub. Once connected, you will need special software that allows you to connect to your PC remotely through a smart phone. You can set the surveillance cameras to capture videos at regular intervals or at any motion detection. Once you setup the periods and enable the motion detection, the cameras will record any activity to your HDD. Many of this software also alert you as soon as a motion is detected. In such cases, you can login to your PC through your mobile smart phone and check if everything is all right.
Alternatively, you can use a rotating camera that connects to the service operator via a hub. The cameras of this category can revolve up to 20 degrees and in some cases, they can rotate up to 360 degrees. In case of any motion detection, you get an instant alert from your service operator. Once you get the alert, you need to call a specific number that connects you to the camera using the address of the hub to which the camera is connected. As soon as you connect to the camera, you can use real time videos or recordings that are stored on a mini HDD that comes with the camera.
Home automation is the new way of making our homes practically run themselves. From the lighting to an email or text message letting you know your children are home from school automation is the new way of running your home. There are so many things you can set up to run automatically and the benefits are great as well.
How would you like to feel more at ease when it comes to security? Automated security can give you peace of mind when it comes to your family and home. There are alarms that will activate when an intruder tries to breach your home.
The same alarms can turn on all the lights, make the front lighting of your home flash, turn off the air and heating system in case of fire to keep it from spreading. The systems also have cell phone systems in case your house phone is not working due to the line being cut. Surveillance cameras can keep track of the property inside and out. There are cameras that can be set up to monitor every angle of your home so the windows as well as the doors can be covered.
The alarm system can be controlled using your telephone or the internet from another location such as your job. You can even use your PDA to control the system! There are so many new ways of setting you home up to be controlled automatically. What if your home was equipped with touch pads that would allow you to:
- Turn lights on and off in your home
- Turn on your favorite program
- Check on the children
- Adjust the lighting
- Scan your outside security cameras
- Turn your security system on or off
- Adjust the temperature of your home
- Turn sprinklers on or off
The homes of the future will be able to do this and more. Technology is catching up to the point where we will know everything that goes on at home no matter where we are. |
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Every time you access the Internet, you need to remember that you are not alone and that you are sharing access with millions of others. High speed Internet connections are becoming commonplace and virtually everyone has some type of access to the Internet - whether it is at home, work, or school. Along with this open access sharing comes problems of abuse, mainly in the form of viruses and spyware. In order to ensure that you are protected from these threats, it is essential that you employ some type of anti-virus software as basic Internet security.
There are perhaps millions of computer viruses (some mutations of originals) floating around the Internet, and approximately 300 new viruses appear each month. If your computer does not have anti-virus software in place, you are asking for trouble. In addition to having an anti-virus program installed, it is imperative that it is always current and up to date.
Anti-virus software works by scanning your computer for signatures of common computer viruses. Virus signatures are characteristics that are unique to a particular virus. Signatures can include such things as behavior patterns and file names. The best anti-virus software will detect viruses that have not yet infected your computer as well as get rid of ones that you already have. Types of files that anti-virus programs scan include email, CD-ROM, zip files, exe files, your text and spreadsheet documents, and many others that you not be aware of.
However, even though installing anti-virus software is a definite must, it only provides one level of defense. You can improve the effectiveness of your anti-virus software by using it in conjunction with a good firewall program and by abstaining from behaviors that promote the spread of viruses.
You should always use a high quality, reputable program from a company that you trust. If you have trouble deciding what type of anti-virus software to purchase, just do a little research either in computer magazines or online. Since Internet security is a huge issue, you should not have any problem finding reviews and ratings. Take your time and find a software program that closely matches your needs.
Also, if you have recently purchased a computer, a trial version of some type of anti-virus software may be included. Be sure to take it for a test drive and put it through the paces - it may suit your needs perfectly.
Once you have your anti-virus software installed, make sure that it is always on and scanning for potential threats from viruses. You can set your software to scan your email as well as the software and files you use on a daily basis. It is extremely important that you keep your anti-virus software updated and current. In this way, the software keeps up with all the new virus threats that appear daily. In addition to keeping your anti-virus software current, you should keep all of the software that you use on a regular basis current also.
Installing anti-virus software and keeping it current will help keep you safe from any nasty surprises. Be sure to also back up your important files on a regular basis as extra security. Following these basic Internet security guidelines make it much less probable that your system will be compromised and damaged beyond repair.
With free antivirus software there are many great choices. Free antivirus software will offer protection similar to that of paid products, but it usually does not have all the same features as the paid versions. Antivirus software is important to have on your computer. Without this type of computer application, you are not protected from getting a virus which might possibly ruin your computer, allow hackers to obtain your personal information, and many more problems.
Comodo is a free option that protects users from trojans, spyware, viruses, and malware. It will also protect the user when they are using messaging, emailing, shopping, and much more. They are also known for their outstanding technology and also provide updates and support. This software is compatible with Windows 7.
A second free antivirus option is Avast. Avast offers the very basic for online security. This product is best used if you are just surfing the net and not performing any activities that require a lot of protection such as shopping or banking online. Virtually all Avast users find it to be a great free antivirus software application. It found almost all of the malicious files in tests. The main complaint is that at first it slowed the computer down significantly, but this improves over time.
AVG is another very popular free antivirus program. It is one of the most downloaded and used antivirus protection software products. It provides security against viruses, malware, and trojans. It can also provide protection from dangerous websites that use automatic attacking malware AVG also helps to keep your computer secure on social sites. Many consumers like AVG because it identifies a high level of viruses and was very easy to use. A few users did not like AVG because little to no support is offered with the free version, and does result in some false positives with files that were not actually viruses or any type of malware.
Microsoft Security Essentials also provides complete security from viruses, and malware. Being designed by Microsoft it should work well with all of the newer versions of Windows. It additionally offers frequent updates. Reviews have been mixed; some consumers admired MSE as an excellent antivirus product.
Avira AntiVir is another best for free antivirus software. It will protect against viruses, spyware, and malware. This computer application is considered to be the basic for computer protection. Consumers admired this software because it kept bad files off of the computer and would find the infected files that were on their computer. Still some did not like this computer application since it takes a lot of time to look through their computers and was more difficult to use than some of the other options.
These free antivirus software products appear to be able to provide suitable security for computers. They are among the top antivirus software and are easily downloaded. |
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One of the most important developments in smartphone evolution is the growing support for both wide area 3G cellular networks and local Wi-Fi hotspots. This provides tremendous flexibility to users, and potentially significant cost savings to the enterprise. There are five cost-saving reasons why enterprises should take a serious look at promoting the use of Wi-Fi on smartphones:
You don't need more than a basic working knowledge of Smartphone's to be just as savvy as most consumers out there. Discovering what consumers do with their Smartphone's can be the key to unlocking potentially more revenue and a greater customer base for your business. Here are three types of customers that can be attracted to your business.
The roamer
This type of Smartphone user is generally seen around more condensed commercial areas such as shopping centres and CBD's (Central Business District). This person will go to where the businesses are the most condensed (e.g. a food court) and look for the strongest signal. If the wireless network is labelled as a business name, then the roamer will search out that business and will probably enter or 'window shop' your business.
This customer is what you want for your business when using appropriate advertising through the internet and wireless hotspots. Using the customer's curiosity and willingness for 'getting something for free' can attract these people to your business.
The Taker
This type of Smartphone user has the same type of characteristics as a roamer. This Smartphone user does the same ritual using their phone. The difference is once they find a free hotspot and it is labelled with the business name they will search out that business. On locating this business this user will generally find a location outside the store and use wireless connection without ever entering your business.
This customer is generally what you don't want for your business, but, you can take advantage of this to attract him into your store. Using appropriate advertising both in your store and online you can this customer in. Remember the signal strength on most hotspots won't be as strong outside as it is inside your store as it needs to pass through displays, walls etc.
The Giver
This customer actively contributes to your store and is also known as a 'loyal customer'. This contribution maybe measured in the customer returning to your business, word of mouth or actively commenting on your business over the internet or social media. In future blogs, I will be discussing the effectiveness of social media such as Facebook and Twitter over the internet and how your internet website can be the first thing they see when they log onto your wireless network.
1. Wi-Fi can offload 3G data use. Picking up the tab for users' 3G cellular plans can be a significant expense. Using Wi-Fi when it's available - especially with the explosive growth of free Wi-Fi - can offload megabytes from users' 3G plans, reducing the costs to the enterprise while supporting users on their preferred mobility platform.
2. Wi-Fi can eliminate exorbitant 3G international roaming fees. International travelers who use their smartphones abroad can easily rack up hundreds and even thousands of dollars in 3G network roaming fees on a single business trip. These fees can run as much as $10 per megabyte. Wi-Fi support in the smartphone lets users access the Internet and enterprise network services much more affordably.
3. Wi-Fi access can improve application performance. The bandwidth available on a network access connection can significantly affect application performance, particularly with those involving voice and video. In addition, high latency can destroy usability in voice and video applications, causing frustration and costly mistakes. Wi-Fi delivers higher throughput and lower latency than 3G. In addition, with certain 3G plans, bandwidth decreases as users exceed predefined monthly download limits.
4. Wi-Fi often provides coverage where 3G doesn't. When 3G signals are weak or unavailable in some locations, smartphone users can often maintain access to data services using nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. And Wi-Fi helps users reduce their download volumes and provides high-performance connections if they should exceed their monthly limits.
5. Wi-Fi gives smartphone users in-flight access. A number of airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, enabling business travelers to make productive use of their time aloft -updating their personal calendars, attending WebEx meetings, checking email, and staying in touch via instant messaging. This is an important capability for smartphone users, particularly in the U.S. where FCC regulations prohibit in-flight cellular network use.
Smartphones have become indispensable for mobile workers, whether running from one meeting to another or needing to travel in order to meet customers, partners or colleagues. At times, an employee may choose to only carry a smartphone, relying on connectivity to stay in touch and up-to-date.
Enterprises often invest in mobility management solutions that provide access to multiple services in hotspot locations all over the world. A service that's easy for the user to switch between WiFi and 3G connections, along with links to an online hotspot finder showing available connections, can improve employee productivity and connection time. Simple and seamless access to connections will also reduce helpdesk calls. And because mobile workers often carry a laptop along with a smartphone, connection complexity increases depending on the variety of devices allowed by the enterprise.
3G connections are not always available or sometimes run slow. Wi-Fi access can provide a combination of performance and economy, and ultimately saves money for the enterprise.
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Making sure that you have installed the best internet security suite that is available today is one of the unwritten, and very important, rules that every PC user should follow. Just about everyone has heard the chilling stories about how computer viruses have caused havoc for a person's computer, often causing them to lose valuable data. Even worse are the stories of the internet threats to computer security that have led to someone having their identity stolen.
As technology advances at a rapid pace to bring the market greater functionality and usability, there are more and more people who are constantly trying to take advantage of technology to infect and intrude on the personal computers of individuals and companies alike. Because of this ongoing battle between the advances in technology and the bad guys trying to make the most of technology for their benefit, there is a constant need for internet security protection software.
An online security suite of software is able to provide this precise kind of protection through a set of programs that are designed to work together to foil the numerous online security threats that are constantly cropping up. The most effective types of such computer internet security programs are able to keep abreast of all the current threats, such as spyware, adware, and viruses by automatically downloading updates and patches on a weekly or daily basis.
Making sure that any security software is properly updating should be high on the list of anyone who wants to make the most of their online security protection. This means that even though the security suite may be programmed to automatically download and install updates, the computer user should still manually check to be sure these updates have occurred.
This double check should be done on a regular basis, weekly at least and preferably each day. While software programs can help to protect your computer, it is ultimately the responsibility of the user to make sure the software is running properly.
When choosing the best antivirus and security software to protect your computer system, and ultimately to protect yourself and your family, you should consider several factors. While many of the internet safety software products claim that they have a complete package to protect your system against internet threats, you still need to check to be sure that some specific components are included in the package you choose. There are many programs to choose from, such as AVG Internet Security, McAfee Internet Security, Panda Internet Security, PC Cillin Internet Security, Norton Internet Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, Zonealarm Internet Security and Microsoft Internet Security, to name a few.
First, and foremost, the software security suite you choose must have the capacity to scan for viruses, to block viruses with an anti-virus protection routine, and be able to execute removal of any viruses that have invaded your system. Viruses can range from simple programs that are designed to annoy all the way to programs that can completely wipe out a hard drive, causing the user to lose everything on the drive.
A good online security suite should also provide effective protection against spyware and adware. In addition, it should offer protection against spam, should have a robust firewall, and provide an array of parental control options. Eventually, computer users running online security software will run into questions or problems with their software and because of this you should be sure to purchase software from a company that has a good reputation for quality customer service and one that gives their customers the option of receiving support via phone, live chat and email.
Obviously, check that it has an anti-malware component. The explanation for that is malicious software that enters your PC unnoticed can cause harm or result in you losing data or other sensitive data, like passwords etc stolen. Remember, internet security software should be able to detect malware (i.e. viruses, spyware) instantly and either remove or isolate them quickly.
Anti-spam software is very useful if you rely on Microsoft Outlook or another email client. You may accomplish this by actually 'training' it to recognize which emails are junk and which aren't. It takes a little time, but the amount of spam emails landing in your inbox will drop.
A firewall is there to block unauthorized communication to or from the internet. This can affect you in the foreseeable future because if a 'trojan' does enter your system and locates your bank details say, the firewall will prevent the information leaving your system. It provides a second layer of security beside the antivirus features. Be sure and don't forget that if you have a router, this could already have a built in firewall. This might be adequate, but may not have the features and controls that internet security software firewalls provide.
Anti-phishing software is a must for most people. Phishing is one of the most successful hacker tactics for extracting information or money from normally wary people. Why you will want to have this depends whether you can spot the difference between a legitimate email from, for example, your bank and one that merely looks similar to an email from your bank. Not spotting the difference could cost you your savings or identity - giving you a major headache to put matters right again.
A data backup feature is very handy, and is something that many people never think they will need. This can include, depending on the brand you purchase, online backup storage - essentially, your backup is stored 'offsite' by the software company and is safe from any disaster that may befall your house or office. It is important because it means that you can at least get your PC up and running again should your house burn down or be destroyed by earthquake!
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Wireless carriers are continually promoting their latest offering via their online stores. Purchases of cell phones and related items online are a growing trend in Europe. According to new findings in the TNS ComTech research project, "...almost one quarter of new mobile phone purchases in Western Europe's six largest markets were made online." Back in the United States you can find various online retailers including; Amazon Wireless, Wirefly, Let's Talk, Simplexity & TMI Wireless. There are tradeoffs when purchasing phones online, and although this retailing option has had a rocky showing in the US; the overall consensus is that this type of retailing channel is poised to become a legitimate option for US consumers.
But First, A Little History...
Simplexity is an emerging theory relating the idea of a complementary relationship between complexity and simplicity; it is also the name of the leading online provider of wireless services and devices. Prior to that company's emergence in 2008, InPhonic was the company that some would say introduced the online wireless marketing model to the forefront. In its day, Inphonic's board of directors included former VP candidate Jack Kemp and John Sculley, the marketing genius behind Pepsi Co and Apple. Founded in 1999, the business model for the company was Expedia; they gathered information on companies and compiled that data into a single site making it easier to search for the best phone deals. Towards the end, InPhonic continued to operate their main online webstore, Wirefly.com while financial problems and pressures began to mount. Wirefly would garner industry- wide accolades and awards, but by 2006 all of that went away and by the end of 2007 InPhonic had been swept away in Chapter 11 proceedings.
New Company, New Plans
In 2008, Simplexity emerged as the new company bringing cell phones and wireless services to the online world. The new company has focused its efforts in simplifying the online transaction for their customers. The trick was to get the customer comfortable with purchasing a cell phone and wireless plan online. Simplexity CEO Andy Zeinfeld states, "We get a Social Security number in order to approve credit and I guess that adds a whole new dimension of fear for some people when they're buying online because of the potential for identity theft." Price has and will continue to be the driving factor for purchasing a wireless device online. Most phones offered on sites like Wirefly (Simplexity) or Let's Talk, are sold for free, or deeply discounted. Free shipping is also offered with the purchase of a new two year contract with one of the major carriers.
Future Growth, Future Potential
With only approximately 14 percent of wireless phones being purchased online, it is still too early to say if there will be a monumental shift towards online purchases, but the market is giving small positive clues that might suggest future growth. Marcelo Claure CEO of Brightstar Corp. stated in his article on May 4th 2010; "By the end of 2010, 1.2 billion people will carry handsets capable of mobile commerce. Customers will expect their favorite retailers to deliver across mobile, Web and in-store." In 2010 Google released the Nexus One exclusively online; albeit to mediocre results, but it did lend an air of credibility to the retail channel. Amazon has also demonstrated some success in online device sales, primarily through the selling of the Kindle but it was successful in reinforcing the online device purchasing experience to its customers.
Between Complexity and Simplicity...
The ability for retailers to bring a uniform experience between their physical storefront and their online ones', appear to be the balancing act that is common today. David Owens, vice president of consumer marketing for Sprint Nextel, says "Your channel strategy must have a blend, leveraging the Web for research, education and buying." With the myriad of apps out there, uses for the mobile device have introduced a new mind-set that has carriers wanting to become a destination for consumers. Online retailers like Simplexity have an added advantage of zero overhead costs associated with operating a brick and mortar store, but lose the opportunity to create a face to face connection with a potential customer. These online-only retailers leverage their experience towards those who are already knowledgeable about the smartphone or device they need.
Conclusion
Worldwide mobile phone sales grew 35 percent in 3Q of 2010. Gartner, an IT, research and advisory company also stated in their Nov. 2010 report that during the same period, smartphones sales increased 96 percent. The growth in the industry offers a mixed blessing of steady growth and growing pains. Purchasing a new cell phone, accessories and related plans all online could become the de facto standard in the years to come. Taking a page from Netflix, companies like Simplexity could be sitting firmly in the driver's seat if brick and mortar stores ever go the way of the Betamax.
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Think of only you has the access on your Smartphone and its contents?
Think that the threat of viruses, spyware, and malware won't affect your Smartphone? Think again!
Your phone is not just a phone, it's basically a mini computer and that's just the way you should think about it, a computer. And like any desktop or laptop computer, your mobile phone is just as vulnerable to internet attacks.
Mobile security threats are rapidly evolving and come in many forms. It is not just your home or business PC that is at risk anymore, it's also your mobile phones, and other similar handheld devices.
A security issue that is not as publicized as much as traveler's security or online banking is mobile security. Until recently, this has not been as high-priority an issue as other security measures that have noticeably captured the attention of the public. However, it has become more of an issue in recent years. With the reality of so many people using Smartphone for their business as well as personal communication, a secure mobile line is essential. With the way the world is advancing, the need for secure mobile lines is paramount. Without them, the financial world would be in chaos. Thieves could have access to all your accounts, all your private information. No business transaction would be secure and fraud would be rampant, threatening banks, businesses, and perhaps even national security.
The security of present-day SIM cards is questionable, as they are being used for a variety of uses they were not originally intended for. The encryption and key generation for these cards is susceptible to theft and fraud. Today's technology has made creating your digital signature easier than it has ever been. However, authenticating it and protecting it has many companies running for cover.
Today's cellphones require the most secure SIM cards as they have become the doorways to practically every facet of our lives. More and more people are on the go and will not be tied to a computer all day. A SIM-capable mobile phone serves as an Internet connection, allowing people to conduct business from any location. This may even eliminate the need for carrying a laptop in the future.
Security specialists like Kaspersky and McAfee have reported that mobile operators, globally, are experiencing more mobile malware attacks than ever before, and spending more time and money on recovering from these attacks.
With more and more “Smartphone " being brought to market each year, more of us are changing our phones to the latest and greatest models available. This in turn means that the latest models come with the latest technological features. However, many people do not seem to think that there is any issue of "mobile security" with little or no chance of downloading any type of virus or malware to their phones and therefore do not consider it necessary to take any action to protect it. This is what most people believed when the internet first appeared way back in the early 1990's.Although the internet was in its infancy then, there were not very many viruses and other threats in circulation, but things changed very quickly. No-one would even consider purchasing a laptop or desktop PC now without also having some form of internet security loaded onto it. So then, why do so many people not consider mobile security software for their Smartphone?
If your phone is GPS capable (and there are not many that aren't) then you could be at risk, especially if you use your Smartphone to browse the internet. With the advent of mobile broadband, we are living in a world where internet connection through a mobile phone will soon become the norm. It would be advisable therefore to get some mobile security software protection.
Many people keep so much personal information on their Smartphone that to losing that information would cause a serious impact in either their business or personal life. Not only contacts, banking information, pin codes and text messages, but also includes more personal things like photographs and videos. Would you really want to put all that at risk?
Like the internet threats, mobile security threats may only be in their infancy at the moment, but they are growing rapidly. I genuinely believe that it wouldn't be going too far to say that in the next 12 to 24 months there will be not only be a requirement to have mobile security software on your Smartphone, but that it will be a necessity.
In addition to the online threats from the internet, there is also the consideration that your Smartphone may be stolen or lost. The mobile security software can also assist in this area should this unfortunately ever happen to you, as not only will the software protect your phone whilst online, but it has the added advantage of specialized "anti-theft" features also. The software can even geographically locate your phone for you should you ever lose or misplace it.
The price of mobile security software is relatively low; especially considering what the cost of a new phone would be should you become a victim of theft. In many ways it is better than having an insurance policy for your phone, as the software doubles up as both internet security and anti-theft.
For the small outlay that the mobile security software is going to cost you, is it really worth not having it on your Smartphone?
Mobile security, is it a real risk? Well, if it isn't a huge one right now, in my opinion it will be in the future.
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Technology is changing all the time and it seems like things are getting smaller and more powerful too. Smaller, faster computers and smaller faster mobile phones that offer more and more features to make our lives easier. If you are not a technology buff you can find it hard to keep up with all of the current things that are coming into the marketplace. In fact, it might be a little overwhelming to find out that your mobile phone may be bugged. Yes, that is right; to put a spy on smartphone is now possible and very easy to do.
Smartphone do so much more now than just send and receive calls. They are now like carrying around a little computer that you can simply hold in your hand and there are many new applications coming available on a daily basis. Just think how many new models of BlackBerry, iPhone, Android and other Smartphones have come to market in just the past twelve months; you can send texts, SMS and e-mails from them, surf the Internet, record and send video and audio, schedule meetings and events, have it wake you up in the morning, listen to music, Tweet and update Facebook all from your smartphone.
You might say you feel naked without your ever-reliable, multi-function smartphone. But do you know that just by having your mobile phone in the same room while you get dressed or share intimate moments with your partner, another person halfway across the globe can literally see you naked?
Actually, it's not only recently that the mobile world was rocked by reports of smartphones being used for sinister purposes. Several years ago, reports already surfaced about surveillance software or mobile malware that can be downloaded from the Internet to turn your phone into a virtual long-range spying device.
According to security experts, this mobile malware, increasingly being used by husbands or wives who suspect their partners of having an affair, or by worried parents of party-loving teens, thrive on all types of smartphones such as iPhones and BlackBerrys.
Now the newest software allows you to spy on mobile phones as well. Just download the spy application on the phone. Then start retrieving information about how it is being used by the other person. All you need is Internet access to log in to your member website account to start monitoring everything they are doing with the phone.
When you spy on mobile phones what type of information is available? A lot, much more than you would think. You can see how many calls the phone has received and sent, and the duration of each call and when it was placed and the corresponding phone numbers. This is an awesome way to monitor and control expenses if you're paying for your child's phone bills or you provide mobile phones to your workers.
Think of being the invisible man standing behind the phone user seeing every text, SMS and email that is being sent and received by the mobile phone. The cell phone spy even lets you access them if they have been erased from the phone. Just think of it every picture and video that has been sent or received by the phone is now open to your viewing.
In addition, from simple surveillance (tracking your whereabouts through GPS) to advanced eavesdropping and monitoring, your mobile phone becomes a portal into your inner sanctum. It's as if the town's most notorious gossip is wearing Harry Potter's invisible cloak and then following you everywhere. And the worst part is that, you are clueless about what's going on! it wouldn't be a true spy on mobile phone device unless you were able to track the phone's exact location at anytime. See the mobile phone's GPS location through Google Maps, a feature that is very useful for finding lost children and checking to see if they are really at the place they said they would be.
How do you know if your phone is infected with spyware?
Mobile malware works behind the scenes. You may not realize that your phone has already sent considerable damning data to attackers. According to experts, however, there are certain tell-tale signs that you should watch out for.
1. Your phone's battery drains easily even if you seldom use it.
2. You have difficulty turning off the unit, or it stays lit up even if it's already supposed to be powered down.
3. The phone lights up even when there are no incoming text messages or calls. If you see the red light flashing twice, it could be an indication that the unit is busy transmitting data to a third party.
4. You can hear strange background noises or clicks while using the phone.
What you can do to protect your smartphone from infection
1. Be wary of downloading ringtones from the Internet as such files can carry mobile malware. The same thing is true when opening emails containing suspicious attachments.
2. Security vendors such as Kaspersky, McAfee, and Symantec offer protection tools against mobile malware.
3. Don't leave your phone unattended in public places.
4. Use the free and downloadable mobile security tool Lookout to block snoops, back up your mobile data, and/or wipe out clean a stolen phone.
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The iPhone is without a doubt one of the most advanced pieces of technology on the market as far as mobile phones are concerned. Although Apple maintains strict regulations regarding the apps that are available to ensure a secured device, they can still expose the end-user to problems that would not otherwise be found with older mobile phone devices. It is important to understand some of the security risks involved with using a smartphone and to be aware of the available applications that help to keep your smartphone and your personal data safe from prying eyes.
Don't store any sensitive information on the device. Actually we don't store anything at all, other than the login username, and this is only if the app user chooses to save this for ease of future login. Citigroup reported a security flaw in it's iPhone app in July 2010. The problem: they were storing sensitive information on the device.
Check for a jailbroken device at startup. When a device is jailbroken, you can gain full access (root access) to unlock all features of the said operating system, thereby removing limitations imposed by Apple. This means a hacker can get at the apps and the data on the device. They might even be able to decrypt your application binary and determine the logic, communication endpoints, and more.
Ensure that all external communication is secure. Use secure protocols when communicating with external bank systems (HTTPS, SSL, etc). We actually implemented an additional redirection layer on top of this.
App timeout and/or closure upon exit. In case a phone is left somewhere unlocked or let's say without a password on the device, you want to make sure someone can't just pickup the device and get to the app without providing credentials. You can employ a timeout on the app, requiring login after let's say 5 minutes of inactivity.
Apple also has an option in its build settings called "Application does not run in background". This is in the build plist file and if checked, when the home button is pressed the application will close completely, requiring a reload. The default setting is unselected, meaning that the app stays in memory unless the device is rebooted. In this case, you had better employ some kind of timeout period requiring credentials after timeout.
Seek for security specialist to perform a penetration test. Seek for security specialist firm to do this. They tested all communication endpoint urls as well as the protocol and the actual device. This is a relatively new area, so find a security specialist that has experience with mobile device security.
Security Organizer - With multiple apps loaded on an iPhone, there are potentially a number of different usernames and passwords stored throughout your phone. Keeping them all in one place is critical. If they are scattered across your phone in different files, you run the risk of someone seeing them. Though you may always have the iPhone in your possession, you still have the ever-present risk of someone compromising it electronically. With Security Organizer you can ensure that all of your passwords are in one place and that they are protected by a master password.
FoneHome Phone Tracker - In the event that your phone gets lost or stolen, this app will help you locate your device from a remote computer. It integrates with Google Maps by updating it's Latitude with each check in. Other features include activating an alarm regardless of what sound mode it is in and taking a picture of its location.
iPortScan - This application scans the ports on your iPhone and makes sure they are secure before you send or receive data. As phones become more advanced they have more capabilities, and they will therefore need access to an increased number of ports. Keeping those ports secured is very important and it will ensure that you are able to access the internet, check your e-mail, and even play games with some measure of security.
Firewall-IP - Having an open firewall on your iPhone is extremely dangerous and you don't want to fall into the trap that this scenario creates. Having a good firewall will ensure that first level attacks are unsuccessful. Note that a firewall cannot stop everything, especially if the person is determined, but it will help you.
Mobile Malwarebytes - This is not something that you will typically find on an iPhone, but it would benefit you greatly to ensure that your computer has some type of virus protection. At some point you will find yourself connecting your phone to your PC or laptop. A good virus protection package will protect you from trojans or other malicious software that seeks entry into your phone. Mobile Malwarebytes will protect your device from malware, trojans, and viruses in real-time.
These are items that deal with iPhone security and provide a good foundation for your search for a more secure mobile device. Your information is critical - make sure it stays in your hands! |
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