Monday, October 22, 2007

The Network May Be Safe But Is Your Phone?

The Network May Be Safe But Is Your Phone?
By Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

Does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy as a mobile consumer to hear your cellular service provider talk about the “security” features their brand offers? As it is today, cellular security is in the hands of the individual mobile user. In reality what adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars spent by cellular providers around the world on network level security, may not protect your phone at all.

The behind the scenes network infrastructure of all wireless service providers is heavily driven by computers thus security at the network level is just that, at the network level. The smoke and mirrors that all cellular providers want their average subscriber to “just accept” is that their network security doubles as your handset level security.

The reality is that mobile security is in the hands of each individual mobile user. Admitting that there is a handset level vulnerability represents a huge potential brand liability for the cellular service providers. Take control of your own mobile antivirus security solution and take control of your own handset level security.

Your friend and guru in mobile security,
Eric Everson – Founder
MyMobiSafe.com

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Mobile Torrents A Cell Phone Security Nightmare

Mobile Torrents A Cell Phone Security Nightmare
By: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

It was not too many years ago that torrents were an unheard of technology and today they have all but reinvented the way we file share. In the depths of the connected mobile hacker community there are avid coders working to make mobile torrents a reality. For cell phone owner’s mobile torrents represent incredible access to mobile applications and other content, but for mobile security providers mobile torrents will be a security nightmare.

MyMobiSafe was built on the belief that the future of mobile security will be fought at the customer handset level. Generally speaking, wireless service providers have invested millions to protect the network level security with little regard for handset level security. The emergence of mobile torrents is sure to change the mentality of wireless service providers throughout the world. Where today handsets are somewhat islands of isolated technology due to the lack of a universally accepted operating system (as arguably exists for the computer side), the dawn of mobile torrents will open cell phone interconnectivity like never before.

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I expect mobile torrents to become a major emerging technology for the future. While mobile torrents may provide access to an abundance of mobile content, the malware and mobile threats will also be saturated in the mix. Mobile torrents are one thing that could literally render millions of dollars invested in network level security completely useless. The future of mobile security will be fought at the handset level; are you ready?

Your guru in mobile security,

Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Eminent Domain? Cell Phone Owners On Notice.

Eminent Domain? Cell Phone Owners On Notice.
By: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

If you are a cell phone owner in the state of Virginia, you may have heard the recent news about the Division of Child Support Enforcement taking new actions targeting cell phones. In a maneuver to recover back child support, the agency has subpoenaed more than 52,000 cell phone numbers from seven wireless providers. The agency is using the information obtained to mine for current address and contact information regarding those who have fallen behind in child support payments. Is this a good move to bring technology into service for justice or another tactic to use the proprietary information of mobile users against them?

All politics aside, as the founder of MyMobiSafe.com I think this is just another sign that showcases the frightening state of affairs of information privacy within the mobile community. Wireless providers spend millions to protect their investment interests at their network level, yet little (or nothing) has been done to protect the cell phone user at the handset level.

Throughout the mobile community cell phone security has fallen to each individual user. Fortunately cell phone owners are free to choose a mobile security provider like MyMobiSafe to offer them a line of defense in an uncertain mobile environment. With the increasing use of mobile hijacking tools like keyloggers and snoopware, the mobile environment is becoming a hot bed of risk. Recently there was a news article about how one agency is using these same snoopware tools to “wire-tap” mobile phones.

To tie all of this together, not only do cell phone owners have to worry about the government tapping into providers for information there are a ton of other threats that are becoming mainstream concerns at the handset level that providers have not taken action to prevent. How will things change? Visit MyMobiSafe.com to get your mobile security solution and start demanding MyMobiSafe from your wireless provider. We have to stand together to make the mobile community a safer place.

Your friend in mobile security,
Eric Everson

Monday, August 6, 2007

What Is the Threat: Truth About Cell Phone Security

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. We have also made our solution more affordable by offering a monthly subscription of only $3.99US where many MSP’s require high upfront annual subscriptions. 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

Saturday, July 28, 2007

New RIM BlackBerry Better Than iPhone?

New RIM BlackBerry Better Than iPhone?
By Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

If you keep a watchful eye on the wireless industry you may have seen a blip on your radar screen somewhere mixed-up in all of that iPhone frenzy. The new RIM BlackBerry has made it’s debut and some may agree that it kicks the iPhone’s *** right out of the box.

For those who have come to rely on the beautiful world of multifunction handsets like the BlackBerry, you’ll likely agree that the iPhone is no trade-in for the reliable ole’ BlackBerry. The new BlackBerry (which is no longer a “blue”Berry for those who remember the earlier models) supports some pretty hot technology such as UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access).

UMA is what I think has the ability to become the new industry standard as it enables handsets to use a multi-mode access protocol. In other words, it can seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks giving you as a customer much better overall reception and call quality. The new BlackBerry has not generated the frenzy of the iPhone, but it is arguably the better of the two handsets (even blindfolded with its imaginary hands behind its back).

Unlike the iPhone the BlackBerry doesn’t have an unfamiliar user interface that you have to learn, it uses a familiar environment that is easy to navigate and has years of improvement behind it already. I like the iPhone as much as the next techy, but let’s face it the user interface has never been an Apple strength… (yes, that was a Microsoft jab). Additionally the new BlackBerry still has a host of over 20,000+ available software applications and the iPhone still has nil. From a mobile security perspective, the new BlackBerry is the safest bet. The iPhone is the hottest hacker magnet the industry has seen in years; its arrival has brought some hackers to the forefront that even I thought had “retired” from the hack.

Every major mobile security firm (including MyMobiSafe.com) supports the security needs of the BlackBerry while hackers are putting axes through the doors of the iPhone with every passing day. If security is a concern for you (which is should be if you have a cell phone) then the BlackBerry is the safest bet hands down. If you enjoy figuring out unfamiliar user interfaces, being targeted by hackers, and enjoy limited functionality, the iPhone is perfect for you. I’m not saying which is better, but I know which one I’d rather trust my information with from a security standpoint – the BlackBerry any day of the year.

If you are in the market for a new handset you can avoid the “marketing hyped” waiting lines of the iPhone and make your way over to the sleek new RIM BlackBerry. If you happen to pick one up, be sure that you do take my advice and get a mobile security solution right away.

***Sorry for the “book” I just figured that this new handset deserved a little more credit than what it’s been given so far.

By: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

Friday, July 27, 2007

Spy In Your Pocket?

Spy In Your Pocket
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

It’s finally becoming public knowledge that the average cell phone just isn’t that safe anymore. With advances in mobile snoopware many of today’s most popular cell phones can be easily hacked. One of the many frightening attributes of mobile snoopware that seems to be stimulating media attention is the ability to remotely activate the camera/microphone features of cell phones.

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I assure you that this is a reality for anyone without a mobile security defense. Many articles lately have touched on the frightening reality that mobile snoopware has become such a threat. In a recent article on CNN.com that keeps resurfacing in my inbox, Jeff Cox states “From identity thieves to corporate raiders to jealous boyfriends, the world of smartphone spying is open to anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of digital technology and the hundred bucks or so it takes to buy eavesdropping software on the Internet.”

Snoopware technology is not just a threat to SmartPhones, but all mobile devices. Mobile security is becoming a leading issue in the mobile community. Considering the reliance the general population has on mobile communications, the time to act is now to take steps to protect mobile security. If you own a cell phone take some time to review your mobile security options.

By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Sunday, July 22, 2007

iPhone Gets First Third-Party Attempt

iPhone Gets First Third Party Attempt
By: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

A recent blog post by Vincent Nguyen on myitablet.com, suggests that the first “third party application” has been successfully ran on the iPhone platform. The details suggest that this step was made by a hacker named “Nightwatch” that used an ARM/Mach-0 Toolchain. If this information is verified in the weeks ahead, the reality of mainstream third party apps for iPhone users will blossom. This step would mean that the closed iPhone would soon be opened for all third party developers. Unlocking third party content for the iPhone means heightened increases in iPhone functionality, but could also open the iPhone users to malware attacks. Continue to follow the latest iPhone developments here.

By: Eric Everson, Founder of MyMobiSafe.com

Monday, July 16, 2007

Mobile Antivirus: Handset Manufacturers or Wireless Providers

Mobile Antivirus: Handset Manufacturers or Wireless Providers
By: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

When Nokia announced that it would offer Symantec mobile antivirus via their S60, the mobile security industry caught a slight glimpse of what could happen throughout the industry. The industry is still taking shape and the question of the times has become who will jump into mobile security first, the handset manufactures or the wireless providers?

This is an interesting debate as mobile security add-ons open the avenue of enhancing revenue diversity for both sides of the field. Mobile handset providers would have the ability to charge a greater premium by offering preloaded mobile security solutions, while carries have the ability of increasing their monthly average revenue per user (ARPU – a key wireless carrier metric). Add-on security services such as MyMobiSafe® are a way to pursue notable profit premiums while positioning the company as a leading innovator of mobile security.

As these deals are yet to take shape throughout the market, the opportunity for either the manufactures or the providers is at a vulnerable stage. As many add-on services favor only the wireless carriers, mobile security is also an opportunity for handset manufactures. So the question remains, who will jump in first?

Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

iPhone is Not a SmartPhone

iPhone is Not a SmartPhone
By: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

The saga continues as hackers continue to peel away the intricacies of the iPhone, prompting many to ask why hacking the iPhone has become so important. A primary objective for the iPhone hackers is exploring this new handset and the consensus is that “this is no SmartPhone.” While the internet feature of the iPhone is a leap forward, its lackluster cross-functionality makes it much less attractive for many handset buyers.

Many multi-function handset owners with experience with handsets such as the Blackberry and SmartPhone have already begun to voice their dissatisfaction over the lack of third-party content available to iPhone users. Essentially there are over 20,000 third-party applications compatible with the Blackberry and SmartPhone, while Apple has locked down the iPhone so that none are available. The rush to the iPhone for hackers is about liberating the iPhone by opening it to third-party content.

Some users fear that opening the iPhone to third-party content would open the handset to the malware that exists for Blackberry/ Smartphone. While naturally the risks would increase, so would the preventive measures of mobile security such as an antivirus/firewall program. If you are looking for a handset with an abundance of available add-ons the iPhone is probably not the handset of choice for you. It doesn’t take a hacker to realize that the iPhone is not a SmartPhone.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Cracking The iPhone: The Hackers Rubik’s Cube

Cracking The iPhone: The Hackers Rubik’s Cube
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Anyone following iPhone news knows that this new device has become the Rubik’s Cube of the hacking community. Everyone worth their weight in code is trying to enable third-party applications for the iPhone. An Australian site, www.builderau.com.au recently provided an interview which uncovered “We already know how to upload files to the phone, move those files around, and run those files.” (By Codename: Geohot) Rapid advanced are being made to enable third-party developments a reality for iPhone users.

Delivering third-party content is about exploring the functional limits of the handset for many, while for MyMobiSafe.com it is about staying ahead of the curve to ensure a line of defense is available. As the Founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I’ve uncovered a growing buzz about a snoopware program being developed for the iPhone that will target 16 digit numeric data metrics. These are exactly the advancements that we want to protect the iPhone user in the mobile community from.

We are a startup company with the agility to respond real-time to the security needs of the mobile community thus this pursuit of knowledge is important to us. We are glad to see the academic institutions such as the University of Illinois enabling this pursuit of technological development as well. Online sources indicate that many of the developments being made have been granted legal protections under the University of Illinois/NCSA Open Source License in addition to other Open Source protections.

It is expected that third-party applications will become a reality in the weeks ahead, making the iPhone a mainstream technology medium. Devices such as the Palm Treo which have long been opened literally have amassed tens of thousands of third-party applications making an enriched user environment. At MyMobiSafe.com we want to ensure that as the doors open, personal security is not compromised.

Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

iPhone Security Solution Getting Closer.

iPhone Security Solution Getting Closer.
By Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Hackers are continuing to get closer to the dawn of “unofficial” third-party applications for the iPhone. In the past 24 hours access has been obtained to a full interactive shell, which is a major milestone to enabling outside application development. The iPhone was released lacking terminal expansion making it so that no third-party could develop applications without the 1024 RSA key from Apple. Developments are being made by the hour as full access to the iPhone is expected to emerge in the very near future.

The buzz is already circulating about developing iPhone snoopware that will target 16 digit numerical data entries. This is a sign that credit card information will be highly targeted on the iPhone. We are still pushing forward with our development expecting major advances in the days ahead. So far, physical hardware changes are required to obtain shell access, full scripted access yet to come. Apple might have locked this new gadget up tight, but the problem is that locks are usually put on things that can be opened.

As we continue to gain new access we are striving to develop a security solution to protect iPhone users too. A third-party security solution isn’t available yet, but we have it in the works at MyMobiSafe.com. We are much closer to providing a security solution for iPhone owners and we expect many great developments in the days ahead

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Cell Phone Attacks - MyMobiSafe.com Appears In Wall Street Journal

Cell Phone Attacks - MyMobiSafe.com Appears In Wall Street Journal
By Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

As a startup business, there is nothing more flattering than having a globally respected media source such as the Wall Street Journal turn to you for expertise. As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I was ecstatic when Jeremy Wagstaff of the Wall Street Journal contacted me for my insights on mobile security. We are a small self-funded startup, so to have our business efforts recognized so early on by a global media giant like the Wall Street Journal is a big deal for our entire organization. Unlike some of the dinosaur companies out there, we’re not numb to reporters contacting us we actually love it. We have taken a new approach to mobile security via our MyMobiSafe® platform which we believe will pave the future of mobile security and we want to share it with the world.

At MyMobiSafe.com we set out to deliver a mobile security solution that makes the mobile community safer for every cell phone user. Mobile threats such as keyloggers and snoopware have made nearly every mobile phone a target. As the risks are growing for mobile users around the world a mobile security solution like MyMobiSafe® is becoming less of a techno luxury and more of a standard necessity.

If you happened to miss our story, it is still available online at: (copy/paste link into your browser)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118298971079550845.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

If you can’t access the whole article you can backdoor it by typing in “MyMobiSafe” into Google and searching the news link. We are looking forward to sharing our future news coverage. I am not above admitting that I copy/print every article about our company with intentions of plastering my office walls. We are setting out to make history in the mobile security industry, so I’m just building a timeline of our company history with each article we score. As a true 2.0 business leader, I pride myself on being accessible; please contact me directly at ericeverson@hotmail.com anytime.

By: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Mobile Keyloggers and Your Credit Card Information

Mobile Keyloggers and Your Credit Card Information
By: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

I’ve touched on the topic of mobile keyloggers in the past, but as they are quickly growing in popularity I find it important to raise the issue again. Mobile keyloggers for anyone unfamiliar with the topic is cell phone software that records every keystroke one types into their mobile keypad. Much like its computer related predecessor, mobile keyloggers are used as a tracking/recording device.

Why does the average cell phone owner care about mobile keyloggers? The recent global consolidation of landline/mobile service providers is a good indicator of how many people are ditching their landline in favor of only having wireless service. For years now, I’ve personally only had a mobile phone without a second thought of a landline. The issue then becomes the information that we so willingly punch into our mobile phones. Consider that last call you made to your credit card company, chances are (if your experiences are anything like mine) you had to navigate through the seemingly endless queue where you were required to provide everything sacred from your card number to the blood type of your first-born before reaching a live representative. This act of providing your information could be one of the greatest mobile threats we face as a mobile community.

Every credit card type is identifiable by the first four digits making your credit card number the easiest data for mobile keyloggers to target. I don’t need to go into the havoc that having your credit card number in the wrong hands can cause as we’re all familiar with the world’s horror stories. If you are a skeptic that thinks this is an isolated thing that won’t get your phone, consider that a simple Google search I just did of “mobile keylogger” which yielded over 2.2 million results. Mobile keyloggers are readily available around the world and are already tracking millions of unsuspecting mobile users. I encourage you to start considering a mobile security solution such as MyMobiSafe® so that you can keep your mobile information private. The mobile environment is changing with the heavy migration of financial information for cell phones. Start protecting your phone and your information today. Keep following my blog for the latest mobile security developments/tips.

Provided by: Eric Everson, Founder- MyMobiSafe.com

MyMobiSafe.com First Month In Business

Today (7/1) at MyMobiSafe.com marks our first full month in business. We took MyMobiSafe.com live on 6/1 and it’s been a fun ride so far. In a month’s time we have generated over 350,000 new entries in Google about MyMobiSafe.com, the official blog at ZDNet.co.uk is now rated 8th in the world for mobile security, we have continued to enhance our site to make it more user friendly, we have generated interest from some major sources such as the WSJ, and we represent customers from every major U.S. wireless provider (AT&T/Cingular, Verizon, Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile, and Alltel). All-in-all, I’d say that we have had a very productive first month.

Entered By: Eric Everson, Founder of MyMobiSafe.com

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Mobile Security Top Story on MSNBC News Yesterday

Mobile Security Top Story on MSNBC News Yesterday
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

As the Founder of MyMobiSafe.com, whenever mobile security news surfaces I am usually one of the first to learn about it. Yesterday was no exception as MSNBC News hosted a rather edgy video news clip about mobile security that likely hit home for many cell phone users. The news clip was titled “Stalker hacks into family cell phones.” And is located at

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=7cc8d499-cc1e-4acf-a5f3-a78bd0da68bf&f=00&fg

If you are still a mobile security skeptic please take a moment to watch this U.S. national news that casts light on the beginning of what is to come. If you watch this clip and begin realizing your own mobile security vulnerability, please visit us at MyMobiSafe.com. Mobile security is a real threat to every mobile user and this is news is yet another example of how terrifying it can become. Stop listening to the “security experts” that cast doubt on the threat of mobile security and open your eyes to what is already taking place throughout the mobile community.

If you take nothing else from this, please start taking your mobile security seriously. There are affordable lines of defense for nearly every mobile user.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

How Safe Is That Mobile Phone In Your Hand?

How Safe Is That Mobile Phone In Your Hand?
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com – ericeverson@hotmail.com

Mobile security is a growing concern around the world. With the flood of content available to the mobile community, a growing number of mobile threats are beginning to emerge that were never before an issue.

Before the emergence of mobile banking, there was relatively little concern for users. Today however millions of dollars have been invested in advancing the mobile banking industry. Even though a small percentage of mobile users have adopted mobile banking, the threat to all cell phone users has emerged full force. The lack of a universal operating platform has limited the current viral threat, but other mobile security risks are becoming a major global concern. The three primary threats that every mobile user must begin considering are Mobile Intruders, Mobile Keyloggers, and Jacking Scripts.

Mobile Intruders: These are prying eyes that essentially act as the hackers of the mobile community. A few years back we all learned the valuable lesson about mobile intruders through Paris Hilton’s unfortunate experience. Mobile intruders are generally looking for personal information such as contact lists among other personal data. Currently the average mobile phone has no built-in safeguards to keep mobile intruders out.

Mobile Keyloggers: A simple Google Search of “Mobile Keylogger” will yield upwards of 1.3 million search results. With that being said, it is easy to understand why mobile keyloggers are becoming the biggest mobile security threat of all. A mobile keylogger essentially records every keystroke that is entered into a mobile device. This functionality can range from normal dialing to text messaging. The reason this is becoming so popular is a result of the emergence of financial information being exchanged through mobile devices. One might think they don’t publish any financial data through their phone, but a quick reference back to the last call to the credit card company brings this issue home for many mobile users. Most callers type in their credit card number while waiting to speak with a credit card company representative. As the first four digits signal the card type of every credit card (Visa, Discover, Master Card, etc) it is easy to see how quickly your personal information can be captured by a keylogger. Though no formal studies exist on the topic, it is suggested that there are millions of active keyloggers in use on unsuspecting mobile devices throughout the world.

Jacking Scripts: These are primarily mobile applications designed to scavenge through mobile phones seeking key data metrics. As the value of competitive information is growing and there is a lack of global regulation regarding this area many jacking scripts are being employed throughout the world. Businesses are the most likely targets of jacking scripts as competitors seek to gain proprietary information through gathering mobile data.

Armed with this new knowledge of mobile security vulnerabilities, you may be wondering what you can do to protect your phone. As the Founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I encourage you to visit our site and research our mobile security solution. We’ve developed MyMobiSafe® as a first line of defense for every mobile user. For $3.99 per month you’re not likely to find a better mobile security solution that you can rely on. We wanted to make mobile security affordable to every mobile user throughout the world. As a mobile security advocate, I want to encourage you to start taking your mobile security seriously. Whether you choose MyMobiSafe® or not, your mobile security should become a real priority. Do what you can to learn about this emerging trend in the mobile community and follow this blog for important mobile security updates.