Mobile Security Talk: Google’s Android a Smart Move for Dell Smartphone!

Mobile Security Talk: Google’s Android a Smart Move for Dell Smartphone!
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

I am known for my tough love on MOPS (Mobile Operating System) developers when it comes to the security of their platforms, but in all honesty Google’s Android Team is proving to be among the best in the business for addressing the vulnerabilities that we uncover.
In a bold move last week, Dell announced regarding their future mobile phone development that they will depart from their historically turbulent relationship with Microsoft and have opted to develop their smartphone platform with Google’s Android MOPS. While this does not directly suggest anything about the security of the Windows Mobile MOPS, it does further solidify the fact that Google is successfully positioning Android as a major force to be reckoned with.

Just yesterday, Google debuted their latest security patch for Android which resolved some inherently pressing SMS vulnerabilities. Prior to the patch, certain malicious SMS messages were capable of disconnecting an Android mobile phone from its mobile network. Additionally this patch resolved the threat to within Android's Dalvik API from a malicious DoS (Denial of Service) threat which specifically targeted Android users. This particular mobile malware would trigger the vulnerable API function and could restart the system process. While annoying for users, this particular mobile malware platform had not evolved to the point where personal data was put at risk on the handset.

With this latest patch in place, Google continues to prove that when issues are identified they take charge to resolve the issue before users are affected at large. This instant response to mobile threats certainly sets the stage for Dell loyal customers to expand their technology suite via the “Dell Phone” as mobile security issues are of less concern. Naturally as the Android MOPS continues to grow in popularity it will continue to be a target of mobile hackers, but as they successfully prove time after time, the Google software engineers put mobile security issues at the forefront of their priorities.

As a leading voice in mobile security, it would be hard not to recognize the world-class support that Google has put behind Android. This is a value added opportunity that Dell can certainly build on as they enter the wireless industry next year. I am looking forward to the arrival of the Dell Phone as I see a significant opportunity for a company like Dell to integrate computing technologies within the wireless environment. Android offers an incredible platform which embraces third-party development (i.e. ensures an abundance of quality apps) and also offers security support like nobody else in the business. Should Microsoft have concern for Google displacing them in the future? One thing is certain as mobile technologies are the future of computing, this is an area where Microsoft has certainly struggled.

Eric Everson is a leading mobile security expert and has emerged as an authority on mobile security strategy and innovative wireless technologies. To contact Eric for interviews, consulting, research, or otherwise email him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com