Official Mobile Security Update

Mobile Security in the Apps Era

2010-08-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mobile Security in the Apps Era

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Today we are enjoying a flood of new highly anticipated content into the mobile industry. With apps (small mobile software applications designed for a mobile handset) ushering in a new era of mobile communication and interaction, much of the excitement in the mobile industry is underpinned by issues in mobile security.

2010 has seemingly opened the floodgates for new apps into the mobile market. With phones like the Apple iPhone and Motorola Droid standing out as class leaders in this new era, apps are quickly becoming part of our culture. The problem is that not all apps are created equal and some apps may open some unexpected doors.

This has already been the case this year as we have seen mobile banking apps released by the most popular app retailers that turned out to be malware. In these instances, the apps looked like the official banking apps, but instead of logging into your bank account, your information was being sent to a sophisticated network of hackers. While the app retailers were quick to banish these particular apps due to negative press, similar threats are unleashed every day.

As an industry we have gone about security in a way that has created significant vulnerabilities for the apps era. As consumers in this industry we treat our handsets as disposable technology and opt against third-party mobile security solutions, despite that 9 out of 10 people agree that they wouldn’t go online with their laptop without at least a firewall or antivirus solution in place. We do not afford this same level of protection to our cell phones, yet increasingly much of the time we spend online is migrating into the mobile environment. Without antivirus/firewall protections in place on your mobile handset, you are just as likely to contract a harmful strain of code on your phone.

This is not intended to sway users against opening their arms to the apps era, because there is a lot of valuable content of high quality being introduced into the market too. Differentiating the good from the bad remains our greatest conflict to date in this rapidly growing app era. The vetting process for new apps must be improved and a quality standard must soon be adopted to pave the way for a safer mobile experience.

Google Fallen to Bing! The Controversial Google Background Image Service.

2010-06-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Google Fallen to Bing! The Controversial Google Background Image Service.

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE; Founder, BikerAwareness.com

Within the past 24 hours, the simplicity of the Google Search Engine that you have enjoyed since the beginning has seemingly exploded with color. Google has been making several updates in recent months and this latest blast of color is said to demonstrate some of this capability. For anyone that has visited Bing.com, Google’s up and coming market share rival, it would seem that this update only demonstrates Google’s submission in the search engine cage fight of the century.

Round one seems to have fallen to Bing.com as Google has stepped away from their traditional white background and company colored logo and has given in to the market pressures created by Bing. The biggest issue this introduces for Google is that it creates the perception throughout the search engine market that Google has lost its edge as an innovator by following in the footsteps of a rival, rather than leading.

This kind of thing happens sometimes in business; a company loses sight of its core hallmark and introduces something that is… well, let’s just say not great. “New Coke”, the 1985 catastrophic blunder of Coca-Cola, comes to mind when looking at this product debut by Google.com. Perhaps more modernly, Google could learn from the miscalculation of Harley-Davidson in considering the controversial VRSC “V-Rod” model motorcycle.

For Harley-Davidson, the V-Rod has faced incredible skepticism over the years, though there are a few avid followers that have finally come to accept the bike. The V-Rod was a motorcycle that was introduced in 2001, largely in response to the liquid-cooled cruiser motorcycles that Japanese brands (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha) had so successfully introduced into the market. At the time of its release, the V-Rod was seen by company officials as the future of The Motor Company, but the public unfortunately did not share the same vision. Despite dismal sales of the model, Harley-Davidson has stood by its investment, which has conjured some support, but nothing like the company had once hoped for.

What The Motor Company did successfully, much like Google is doing, is keep their tried and true hallmark available to those that want it. Just as you can purchase a timeless classic motorcycle from the other Harley-Davidson model families, you can also adjust your Google browser back to the traditional white within the “Change background image” option. Though there may be pockets of Google service where a bug in the change back option is being resolved, sooner than later all can be manually restored to traditional white around the globe.

Are we just resistant to change, or is there something simply comforting about the traditional white background of Google.com in a world where every other website around us seems to be flooded with color? Has Google made a “New Coke” mistake here? There are many questions that this “update” has solicited, yet one thing seems certain, Bing.com has Google in a hold and is showing no signs of letting up. For Google, perhaps for better or worse, the choice to launch this update is as simple as the age old adage, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” It seems evident that with growing market pressures from Bing, Google the teacher has now become the student.

Remember When Android Meant Human-like Robot?

2010-06-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Remember When Android Meant Human-like Robot?

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Google’s latest Mobile Operating System (MOPS) dubbed Android, has all but wiped the original connection of the term android – a human-like robot- off the grid. For good measure, simply open a second browser tab and perform a search (on your favorite search engine) and see what it returns when you type in “android”.

As you have now seen for yourself, the days of an android being just a human-like robot are somewhat extinct. For those with a genuine interest (or career for that matter) in robotics or more specifically the niche robotics market of androids, this has made everything from ordering parts to collaborating with like-minded peers a nightmare. Beyond the sheer inconvenience, could this carry a greater implication than what meets the eye?

Consider for a moment that from 2002-present, the android niche has seen explosive growth from the Albert Einstein-like android of Hanson Robotics to the EveR-1 of KITECH. As computing speeds continue to soar and processors continue to drop in price, now is an incredibly bad time to lose momentum (scientifically or otherwise) with regard to this technology.

Android robotics are becoming increasingly infused with modern medicine, opening bionic possibilities that where once only dreamed up for low budget sci-fi films. The truth is losing “android” to the marketing prowess of Google hurts. It does not just hurt those in the software or robotics industry breaking new ground within AI or embodiment machines respectively, but it hurts everyone at large that looks to a future of growth and development for android technologies.

Is this a case of a lesser technology choking the progress of a greater predecessor? I will let you decide, but something tells me the window industry suffers some very similar hurdles.

Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Software Engineer, Founder, MyMobiSafe.com

Venture Capital and Mobile Apps: This is No Small Business.

2010-02-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

Venture Capital and Mobile Apps: This is No Small Business.

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE – MyMobiSafe.com

As the app-driven mobile industry is heating up the sharks of the venture capital market smell the blood in the water! Since last week’s Mobile World Congress event, one of the hottest items on the board room table in the weeks/months ahead for venture capital is sinking their teeth into a piece of the mobile app market.

Venture capitalists are beginning to realize that while there are still many hobbyists in this market, there are just as many young fresh companies that are positioning for market leadership for the app-driven mobile future. Some of these companies are building their own portfolio of lucrative apps while generating additional revenue by building apps for other companies that want to get in on this wave of “App Mania.”

Other companies, like my own MyMobiSafe.com for example, are taking a broader view of the market and are not concentrating on a single Mobile Operating System (MOPS) platform, which is ultimately where the REAL money in this industry stands to be earned. The greatest challenge that App Developers face is that to keep even a single product viable in this market, they must at minimum develop a version of their App for the iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry MOPS’. Compared to developing software for the computer industry, this multiplies the cost of bringing a single mobile product to market, which is not the kind of business model that is quick to attract venture capitalist.

On the other hand, as we have done with MyMobiSafe Verified Services, we have positioned in this market with a minimal upfront cost structure and have introduced an industry recognized product that is equally viable across all mobile platforms; our brand is quickly becoming recognized as the mark of quality across all App distribution portals. As veterans in this industry, we learned the hard lessons of trying to develop for every single MOPS and have leveraged our core strengths as a result to streamline our MyMobiSafe Verified Services business. Just for the record, despite some of the venture capital rumors we have read about MyMobiSafe.com, we have also managed to self-fund our venture; yet we look forward to exploring opportunities with the right venture partner.

In this market, there are still many hobbyists that are making thousands of dollars in extra money by building Apps, yet there are also many companies that are positioning to emerge as the next $100 Million goliath in this space. It is the companies that operate seamlessly across all mobile platforms that stand to generate the most wealth in this industry. As any wireless industry analyst would agree, the history of MOPS platforms has always been one of many islands and has never been known for integrated compatibility. Thus it is the firms that position to embrace the broadest spectrum of this market that are the most attractive to investors.

Will the next Microsoft emerge from this market? It is not likely, but there are certainly companies within this market that stand to change the future and are sure to generate a hefty balance sheet in the process… not to mention might create some attractive merger, acquisition, and potential initial public offering opportunities along the way. What is nice about this market is that with already over 3 billion App Store downloads, this is a market where a small business can grow into a big business very quickly!

Twam: The Reality of Twitter Spam

2010-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

Twam: The Reality of Twitter Spam

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Twitter has become a global phenomenon and there is no doubt that everyone from small businesses to the world’s largest corporations have taken notice. While it can be fun to get the latest tweets from your friends and family, getting the up to the minute scoop from companies using Twitter to advertise might not be exactly what you signed on for.

Twam – the new buzz word for “Twitter spam”, coined by Airwide Solutions, is growing in popularity. In fact a recent study indicates that already over ten percent of all Twitter traffic has become “twam” that for many of us is hitting our mobile handsets at an unwelcoming rate. This week the Mobile World Congress event is in full swing in Barcelona, Spain and there is one company taking a pretty major stand against twam.

As far as my research indicates, the phrase “twam” was coined by Airwide Solutions, which interestingly is also the same company that claims to have sent the world’s first text message. How befitting that text messaging is becoming the new wave of tweeting. This very company is giving demos at the Mobile World Congress event that certainly should not be missed. If you want to learn how to really block this surge of twam, it is my humble opinion, that this company has the answers that the industry is looking for.

Though many handsets are being introduced into the market with improved processing capabilities, the overwhelming number of legacy handsets in use today far exceeds the iPhones and Droids of the world. With that realization, it is easy to recognize what a popular role SMS (text messaging) is playing as the world continues to embrace and enjoy using Twitter. What has been fascinating to me lately is the number of people that are tweeting on behalf of the companies they support. MyMobiSafe.com for example does not even have an established twitter account, yet tweets keep getting generated about our new MyMobiSafe Verified services. As a business owner I am fascinated by this, it’s like free marketing just because people identify with your brand.

On the other hand, I realize that even though I have not sent a single twitter message about my company, these tweets might be somebody’s twam. We are entering new territory here where sharing something exciting about an innovative company is contributing to the rising occurrence of twam. It makes me ask, is it really twam or simply the digital version of word of mouth? From introducing new parental controls to manage this kind of content to putting filters in place, the service providers must certainly take notice of this rising new phenomenon too. Until they do however, feel free to tweet about my company too, we love that so many people want to help us spread the word!

Malicious Mobile Code: What You Need to Know.

2010-02-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Malicious Mobile Code: What You Need to Know.

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

The thought of someone hacking into your mobile phone to steal your personal data added to the growing number of mobile threats sounds bad enough, then you come across the industry term “Malicious Mobile Code” and it makes downloading any new mobile app a scary process.

So it sounds like scary stuff, but what is Malicious Mobile Code (MMC) REALLY? If you follow my journal, you know that I’m always knuckle-deep in this kind of stuff, and as a result I’ve lost many good computers and mobile handsets along the way. As threatening as the words may sound, MMC is really an industry catchall phrase that refers to any code that can hinder the operation of a mobile application or device.

Building software is kind of like building a house of cards in that each layer depends on the next to function properly. In software (just as in the house of cards) if you remove or otherwise tamper with a key component it can often corrupt the entire structure. MMC most often attempts to do this very thing by injecting faulty code into a key operating component of your mobile software or Mobile Operating System (MOPS).

Though mobile devices are steadily becoming more sophisticated with added computing power, the reality is that MOPS remain highly vulnerable to such MMC attacks. This is why third-party mobile security software is becoming so important to have on your mobile device. Many of the mobile security solutions on the market today block the MMC similar to antivirus software for a computer.

Additionally, the demand for mobile app-driven handsets is significantly on the rise which is putting many users at greater risk. Often consumers on the most popular app retail portals assume that anything they download to their handsets should be safe. Despite best efforts however, many risky apps from those with harmful embedded source code to those masquerading as legitimate financial services apps are making their way to unsuspecting mobile users.

This issue has created new demand for services like MyMobiSafe Verified, the first service of its kind that offers a formal review and validation of new mobile apps across every platform (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian, Java, Orange, and all others). By creating an environment where developers and the mobile community alike are looking for the confidence of the MyMobiSafe Verified mark, this creates a significant hurdle for unwanted Malicious Mobile Code in the market.

MMC can range from the simplest corrupt code to the worst mobile viruses, yet the phrase and acronym remains as an industry catch all. As a software engineer and one with substantial frontline experience with this kind of code, my words of wisdom are to be cautious of anything that you are loading onto your handset. If it is free, remember that old adage that suggests “nothing good comes free.” In too many cases of mobile apps free means that there is something else behind the curtains. Start looking for verified apps before you buy them as they will often display a recognizable logo. Finally, remember that not all MMC is created equal, in many cases damage is not permanent and can often be repaired by a professional.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To learn more about MyMobiSafe Verification simply visit the website email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

Is Your App Verified?

Malicious Mobile Apps a Growing Concern

2010-02-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Malicious Mobile Apps a Growing Concern

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

The phrase “mobile security” does not usually mean much to anyone, until of course they encounter their first mobile attack. For a growing number of App Store and Android Market customers, this is a growing fear that is becoming all too real.

Already in 2010, mobile apps via both the App Store and Android Market, owned by Apple Inc (NASDAQ: APPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) respectively, have experienced a rise in malicious mobile apps. Often consumers on these popular portals and others like them assume that anything they download to their handsets should be safe. Despite best efforts however, many risky apps from those with harmful embedded source code to those masquerading as legitimate financial services apps are making their way to mobile users.

This rise in mobile threats comes at a time of industry vulnerability as popular app-driven handsets like the Apple iPhone and Motorola Droid are in very high demand. As the app markets are poised for substantial growth in the years ahead, tackling these security issues must remain at the forefront of priorities for industry experts. To combat this problem head-on, MyMobiSafe.com recently launched MyMobiSafe Verified, a service which offers the industry’s first universal verification credentials for app developers. Demand for the MyMobiSafe Verified logo is quickly growing amongst app developers and those shopping for new apps.

App verification is becoming the leading opportunity for legitimate app developers to demonstrate the integrity of their apps in a crowded marketplace that is becoming increasingly at risk from malicious apps. From imposter financial apps to free gaming apps that are phishing for information on handsets, the mobile community is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of such verified services like MyMobiSafe Verified.

As upwards of 10,000 new apps are submitted to these popular app retailers each week, the sheer volume is exposing significant handset-level vulnerabilities. Additionally the growing popularity of the unregulated mobile banking and mobile financial services is attracting an increasing number of hackers into the mobile community.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To get started or to learn more about MyMobiSafe Verification simply email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

iPad on Lockdown: Apple Faces a Twist of Intellectual Property Law

2010-02-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

iPad on Lockdown: Apple Faces a Twist of Intellectual Property Law

Author: Eric Everson, MyMobiSafe.com

Imagine that you have this great product idea and a catchy brand name for it too. As managers, we have all been there at some point or another. Grandiose ideas of being patted on the back and welcomed into the inner circle of the executive leadership team come to mind as you envision all the profit your company is going to earn with this revolutionary new product… then the USPTO (US Patent and Trademark Office) snaps you back to reality as you discover that it’s already been done before!

As a U.S. Company, this is the epiphany that Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) either failed to acknowledge or figured they had the treasury and legal muscle to flex. As it turns out the iPad, is not a new product in the world of technology, in fact as even some of us more techy types may remember, it was Fujitsu that actually introduced the first iPad. Don’t just take my word for it, just look it up for yourself at USPTO.gov (Hint: start with US Patent: 7,228,469).

How accurate does this sound? “Portable information device, … portable information device, and computer product” If that sounds like one of Steve Jobs’ lines for promoting the new Apple iPad, think again as that text was literally copied verbatim from the Fujitsu owned US Patent: 7,228,469. It would seem that Apple Inc has stepped into the ring with Fujitsu, which is a leading Japan-based company with a beefy balance sheet and domestic access to the legal system that should certainly make Steve Jobs and team consider their next moves carefully.

As I understand it Apple has until February 28, 2010 to decide to fight for the name at the USPTO. The new Apple iPad has iPhone app developers frantic as their current content will lose significant resolution when displayed in full screen on the iPad. Apple released a new SDK exclusive to the iPad this week, which has many developers contemplating if they should invest the time in redeveloping and transferring their product to the iPad.

While the future may bring about a balance where app content can be shared from iPad to iPhone (and back) with ease, in the interim we are granting a specialized MyMobiSafe Verified package that covers content unique multiplatform apps. This will allow app developers to earn their MyMobiSafe Verification for either their iPhone App or their iPad app and use the same credentials at no added cost.

Apple is no stranger to big lawsuits and legal action, but for now, it seems this twist of intellectual property law has plans for the Apple iPad on lockdown.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To get started with your MyMobiSafe Verification simply email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

Is Mobile Banking Safe: Redefining Mobile Security through App Verification

2010-01-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

Is Mobile Banking Safe: Redefining Mobile Security through App Verification
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

I was told with optimism recently that there is an upswing expected in the use of mobile banking services in the year ahead for key markets within the US and EU. The trouble is however, this growth is hinged on one MAJOR hurdle which is security.

Just the other week for example, news spread from media sources like USAToday.com confirmed that Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) removed more than 50 mobile banking apps from its Android Market. These apps were just a few of the growing number of phishing apps that hackers are releasing into the financial services sector of mobile banking. The questions on the minds of many is, “How could this happen and is my mobile banking app safe?”

The problem is that until recently there has not been a third-party verification process to ensure the security of these apps, which is exactly why many have started looking for the MyMobiSafe Verified logo before they buy or use their apps. MyMobiSafe.com has introduced the wireless industry’s first verification process for app developers. What makes the company standout is that they work directly with app developers to credential mobile apps across all platforms. From Symbian and BlackBerry apps to Java and Android apps, MyMobiSafe Verified is certainly putting its mark on the industry.

As a mobile security professional, I literally come in contact with thousands of apps in a given week and one thing that is missing from 99% of them is an element of security. The reality is that app users want apps that are fast loading and easy to use; adding in security features to these apps more often than not makes them too robust and slow. In a market where app developers are sometimes making pennies on the dollar from each app they sell, sacrificing the user experience is not worth adding burdensome security protocols.

Mobile banking apps often have more security built-in, but without a verified logo from a credible third party, users simply just do not know what apps they can trust. Digging deeper into the issue of the phishing apps that are becoming so popularized in mobile financial services, mobile security solutions on your handset will not make your information more secure if you are voluntarily putting it into these dangerous apps. This is not to discount the importance of mobile security software on your handset as the state of device-level security remains very limited on most mobile phones.

Mobile verification is a new method that is redefining the way we view security as a mobile community. People are starting to look for the seal of approval from services like MyMobiSafe Verified before they use new mobile apps. This is a paradigm shift from the days when it seemed that any app downloaded from a reputable mobile content distributor (i.e. App Store, Android Market, BlackBerry App World, GetJar, and others) was considered harmless. Today more than ever, the uptick in popularity of mobile financial services is being targeted. Without an authenticated MyMobiSafe Verified logo, how do you REALLY know your app is safe?

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To get started with your MyMobiSafe Verification simply email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

Ref:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2010/01/google-removes-banking-apps-from-android-marketplace/1

Verified Mobile Apps?

2010-01-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

Verified Mobile Apps?

Author: Eric Everson

Verified services are nothing new to the digital environment; simply look at the success of Verisign, Inc (NASDAQ: VRSN), a company which offers a variety of Internet and communications-related services. While offering a myriad of services all targeting computing industry, VeriSign is perhaps most recognized by its Certificate Services (verification) logo. As the digital environment became riddled with malware, verification quickly took a leading role toward improving digital security and essentially paved the way for eCommerce as we know it today. With smartphones quickly stepping into digital territory which was recently exclusive to computers, verified services are going mobile.

If you perform a Google search for “Verified Mobile Apps” you are certain to encounter JavaVerified, which is Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: JAVA) verified service arm for Java developers. The Java Verified Program is exclusively for Java apps for the mobile and computing environments. As you scan through your Google search what you will likely also see is information about MyMobiSafe.com, who has released MyMobiSafe Verified, the wireless industry’s first verified services that caters to mobile app developers exclusively. While MyMobiSafe is emerging as the leader in verified mobile apps and mobile verification services, it is truly the rise in security related issues within the mobile environment that has introduced a need for such services.

From the iPhone (NASDAQ: AAPL) to the myriad of new mobile devices arriving with the Android Operating System (NASDAQ: GOOG), mobile users are hungry for new apps. This has led to the introduction of mobile malware cloaked as legitimate apps (already found in both platforms in 2010). This has app developers scrambling to identify a credential, like MyMobiSafe Verified, that “would be customers” could recognize to differentiate their apps from those that could be tainted by hackers.

MyMobiSafe Verified introduces a comprehensive five phase verification process, which is designed to document, test, and sign mobile apps to ensure their security within the mobile community. Where many app developers may forego built-in security protocols due to the threat of hindering their apps performance, MyMobiSafe Verified provides a unique affordable alternative. With mobile apps for financial services on the rise (banking, money transfer, ePayments, etc) the need for verification is certain throughout the mobile industry. For anyone who has ever put their money where their mobile is, the fears can be all too real.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To get started with your MyMobiSafe Verification simply email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

The Importance of Verification in an App-driven Mobile Industry

2010-01-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Verification in an App-driven Mobile Industry

Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

The future of mobile essentially belongs to the company that offers the best apps. As Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) revolutionized the digital music business with their iTunes Store, the company is carrying that momentum forward in mobile with their App Store. Meanwhile, companies like Google with its Android OS and BlackBerry are beginning to make a momentous shift in this direction too. With over 10,000 new apps being developed each week, mobile verification will play a major role in the app-driven future of the wireless industry.

Many are familiar with the Apple “vetting process” that new iPhone apps must undergo; this is a process that literally dissects every app that is submitted to the App Store. The vetting process has become a roadblock that many developers struggle to overcome. As Brian Heater of PCMag.com writes, “The company recently celebrated the submission of the 100,000th app for the platform. "Submission" is a key word. No one but Apple knows precisely how many apps have been rejected. And the company hasn't exactly publicized what many developers have deemed an overzealous and somewhat arbitrary vetting process.” (Heater, 2009) Many app developers are opting to forego the bureaucracy of the Apple policies in favor of programming for the rapidly growing Android OS.

The vetting process is far less strenuous for Android and BlackBerry apps, which has incited concern amongst many users regarding the safety and quality of the apps they are downloading. This is exactly why developers and app users alike are coming to recognize the MyMobiSafe Verified logo as a premier mark of quality throughout the industry. The MyMobiSafe 5-Phase Verification process, is remarkably more friendly for app developers as it is essentially a process where developers work one-on-one with MyMobiSafe experts to ensure the quality and security of the apps they want to credential. The MyMobiSafe Verified logo is quickly becoming the stamp of approval that everyone in the industry is looking for.

As MyMobiSafe recently launched this innovative credential, it is not likely to get developers through the arduous Apple vetting process any quicker – yet. MyMobiSafe.com hopes to work directly with companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, BlackBerry, Nokia and others in the future to continue to grow the prevalence of this mark throughout the industry. The MyMobiSafe Team realized this gaping void in the market and has worked tirelessly for many months to introduce the wireless industry’s first verification services for mobile app developers.

Apps are becoming a big business opportunity and many developers, from independent programmers to major corporate development firms, are looking for a stamp of quality to differentiate their products in the marketplace. As the vetting processes for new apps are unique to each provider, MyMobiSafe Verified represents a new step forward that is becoming universally recognized and sought throughout the industry. There is no denying that the future of mobile will be driven by apps, but with so many MOPS (Mobile Operating System) providers depending on quality third-party apps, verification will play a major role in the app-driven future of the wireless industry.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com. To get started with your MyMobiSafe Verification simply email: GetVerifed@MyMobiSafe.com.

Ref:

Heater, B. (2009, November 17). PCMag.com. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from Apple's iPhone App Vetting is Here to Stay—For Now: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2356027,00.asp

MyMobiSafe.com: Sticktoitiveness from Software Provider to Verification Leader

2010-01-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

MyMobiSafe.com: Sticktoitiveness from Software Provider to Verification Leader
Author: Eric Everson

Every entrepreneur has a relationship with this word. From the bootstrapping startup to those overburdened by debt structures in this tumultuous global state of economy, we all know this word. Depending on your dictionary of choice, this word may or may not even exist, but it is one that every entrepreneur knows all too well. What is the word? Sticktoitiveness.

As a Microsoft kid, even my trusted Spelling & Grammar tool does not recognize the word, but it is one that so many of us have developed an intimate relationship with over the years. From those that are fighting to keep multigenerational businesses alive through these tough times to those launching their startup in the midst of a lackluster job market, sticktoitiveness is a quality exhibited by the most successful entrepreneurs throughout history. My experience with my venture, MyMobiSafe.com, is no different, it is only through sheer sticktoitiveness that we have weathered the storm of survival to date.

If you’ve visited my company website in the last 24 hours, you have seen that we just launched our business in a very new direction. From our humble beginnings of writing mobile security software, we have now repositioned the company as a leader in mobile verification services. From the beginning our objective has always been to protect the mobile community. Our new direction will allow us the opportunity to drive the future of mobile security forward in a new way as we are positioning MyMobiSafe Verified Services at the forefront of the app-driven mobile environment.

Today we begin working with mobile application developers around the world to position MyMobiSafe Verified as the premier mark of quality in the mobile industry. Before now, mobile app developers had no way of differentiating their apps from those plagued with masked mobile malware. Today through our innovative accreditation process, we are working together with app developers to secure the future of mobile content. This new direction is a reflection of our commitment to the success of MyMobiSafe and our dedication in driving mobile security forward. More importantly it demonstrates the sticktoitiveness of this small company in the face of the most challenging economic times that most of us have ever managed through.

According to Merriam-Webster.com, sticktoitiveness means dogged perseverance and has an etymology that dates back as far as 1876 during the industrial revolution. Sometimes, as in the case of MyMobiSafe, that means making tough decisions to shift directions when everyone else is falling down around you. As entrepreneurs, it is our sticktoitiveness that allows us to dig deeper while many others perish. Sticktoitiveness is a word that is changing the future of mobile security and may be one that will revitalize your small business too.

Eric Everson – “The MobileTech”

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

Ref:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stick%20to%20itiveness

Mobile Banking: Mobile Security and the Future of Banking Profitability.

2010-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Mobile Banking: Mobile Security and the Future of Banking Profitability.

Author: Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Let there be no mistake about it, we as a global community have a certain lingering bitterness in our mouths for the financial sector. After all, in the end much of this global economic crisis is directly linked to poor management at some of the world’s largest banking institutions. Why then do I care about introducing an out-of-the-box model for generating new revenue structures for these very banks? As you’ll see, my strategy while delivering a proven model for future banking revenue channels is better anchored to your mobile security.

What does mobile security and banking have in common? Very little at the moment as nearly every mobile banking platform available is either a home grown mobile application (app) or has been developed via a third-party mobile software developer that is likely more concerned with its own profitability than your handset-level security. The harsh reality however is that the banking industry has essentially “given the farm away” over the past 20 years through offering so many free services that the once profitable business of banking now has some of the most razor thin profit margins in history. I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of free banking services from free checking, to free transfers, to free checks, only to witness the freefall of the banking industry.

As much as we hate to admit this from our spoiled lives of free financial services, we have backed our banking industry into a corner from which they have no choice but to reinstitute textbook models of fee-based banking. As consumers of this industry, we have to swallow that jagged pill of once again paying for services that in all honesty we were lucky to get free for so many years. As the reintroduction of fees are inevitable to the future of the banking business, it is through mobile security that I believe that every bank in the world can return value added services associated with such fees.

In 2005 me and my team launched a mobile security solution that defied the industry, MyMobiSafe. What was remarkable about our platform wasn’t just that we’d introduced a Java-based mobile security solution like no other in history, but it is that we were able to bring this technology to market for a low monthly fee of just $3.99. While everyone else in the mobile security industry was selling robust mobile security solutions with exorbitant upfront fees, we defied that market norm and made handset-level security affordable for any budget. As fate would have it, in response to the contraction in security spending felt throughout the industry, we removed MyMobiSafe software from the market after meeting our breakeven point. One thing we figured out along the way however was a shared profit model wherein a third party (i.e. the banking industry) could supply such a mobile security solution in tandem with their mobile banking apps and could introduce a new model of profitability.

Using a 60/40 model wherein the bank keeps 60% of the fee based profit per monthly subscription, everyone was satisfied. The mobile security company (that was us) made money by improving subscriber volume (even if at a discount), the bank was able to charge a mobile security fee for mobile banking customers (thus generating innovative revenue streams), and finally the consumer not only got improved mobile banking security, but also top of the line handset level security for their handset. For the consumer they might pay a monthly mobile banking security fee of $2.99-$3.99 but it gave them a full mobile security suite in addition to much more secure access to their mobile banking platform as well. It really is a model wherein everyone wins.

Though we have now focused the business model at MyMobiSafe.com to verified services for app developers and mobile security consulting, we realize that what we uncovered in the banking industry is a model that stands to redefine the future of value added fee structures throughout the banking industry. The future of banking as a profitable business model hangs in the balance; a balance which in the end must make the tough decision towards the fee-based model that so many of us have skirted for so many years.

Let our success in introducing a value added solution into this equation create a new model for the future of banking, a model based on introducing fees that touch the lives of banking consumers beyond their financial transactions. Modify the traditional model of something such as transfer fees toward a model that allows banking consumers to appreciate the value that such fees introduce. Whether your bank helps you improve your mobile security or pre-allocates a percentage of your fees toward an escrow account designed to help you mitigate your rising utility bills, there is a significant opportunity for banking to embrace the future with innovative value added profitability in mind.

-Eric Everson, MBA, MSIT-SE

Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

iPhone App Security - Android App Security: A Growing Digital Risk

2009-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

iPhone App Security - Android App Security: A Growing Digital Risk

Author: Eric Everson, Chief Technology Officer – MyMobiSafe.com

It’s being called a “gold rush” as estimates such as yesterday’s breaking news on the topic declared, “Flurry predicts that by the end of next year, 150,000 apps will be available for Android phones, up from around 20,000 to 25,000 now.” Developers are beginning to dive into this fast growing new phenomenon of mobile apps.

With developers sharing stories about making tens of thousands of dollars by selling their apps, this is an emerging market that is showing no signs of an economic slowdown. In fact in the same piece by Lance Whitney, it was noted that, “The growth has been meteoric for Apple for iPhone and iPod Touch penetration," he said. "They're already past 50 million units in the marketplace for iPhone and iPod Touch." …while the iPhone is a killer device that gives people a portable computer in their pocket, Apple knows it needs third-party developers, which is one reason the company controls the store. And developers will go wherever they can get a good customer base, realizing that they can build an app once for the App Store and draw in a lot of consumers.” (Read Full Article Here)

This is great news right? A hot emerging market opportunity in a sluggish economy, what’s not to love about that? Not to spoil the celebration, but as a digital security consultant this emerging market has introduced some serious new digital security risks. Don’t just take my word for it, recently security expert Kenneth Van Wyk noted, “Is anyone else concerned about the security of this new gold rush? Just how safe is it to download and use, say, an application that can access my Amazon account and make purchases with “one click”? (Gulp!)” Van Wyk goes on to explore, “…time will illuminate the issues more clearly. For now, I sure hope the application developers aren’t consumed by a gold rush mentality and that they’re practicing safe development methods to ensure all the good stuff—solid authentication, encryption of sensitive data, input validation, etc.—are being thoroughly addressed in the code they release into the wild.” (Read Full Article Here)

Have we opened Pandora’s Box yet again? Having been involved in mobile security for many years as the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I will say that we’ve just begin to scratch the surface. As we’ve identified (and are working to address at MyMobiSafe.com) developers want to maximize their profitability in this gold rush which often means foregoing security protocols that could prove harmful to your mobile device. The days of cell phones being a disposable technology are quickly coming to an end as these little devices have become primary sources of our proprietary data. From the ability to connect to your bank account to the names and numbers of the people closest to you, your handset security should certainly become one of your top priorities.

With the Android boom of 2010 taking shape, we are about to see a surge (of tidal wave proportions) in the development of mobile apps. Likewise, the iPhone App Store remains just as hot as ever as the iPhone and iPod Touch devices have surpassed the 50 million user mark. There is certainly money to be made, but both users and developers alike must demand a greater level of security to keep everybody’s mobile devices safer. I don’t need my masters degree in Software Engineering to tell you that rushed software is bad software, so before you download that next app, checkout your developer’s credentials.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

Mobile Security Expert: Think Twice Before You Download That New Mobile App!

2009-12-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Mobile Security Expert: Think Twice Before You Download That New Mobile App!

Author: Eric Everson

Whether you are an iPhone user, a Droid user, or a user of any number of new app-compatible handsets, you should be weary of exactly what’s hiding in that app. A term like “Trojan Virus” is nothing new to computer users, but increasingly this type of attack is moving into the mobile environment.

As a mobile security expert, I realize that too few app developers are willing to sacrifice the performance of their apps by adding additional security measures. This reluctance to build-in security protocols has set the stage for a serious level of vulnerability. Having worked in mobile software development myself, I understand that building in certain security features can introduce very noticeable performance hurdles, which is not something that independent app developers want to earn a reputation for.

The mobile app development community is actually still very small and has yet to become dominated by huge corporate interests, so what we have are often developers that often do not have the means to support developing a mobile app and managing a slew of security features therein. As some have admitted, it’s easier to just forget about security all together and let the user worry about their own handset-level security. As the app-driven future of wireless is quickly taking shape, it is again the handset user that must shoulder their own level of security.

At MyMobiSafe.com we are working hard to introduce a new solution for mobile app developers to help tackle this problem, but it will be early next year before we are able to unveil this development. In the interim, mobile users need to think twice before downloading that new app to their handset if they do not already have a mobile security solution on their handset. For many years we as a wireless global community have wrestled with the idea of paying for security software for our handsets. As a digital security consultant, this is a fascinating issue because when I ask most people if they would run their computers without a security solution I always get a resounding “NO!” Why is your phone any different? It packs pretty incredible processing power in its own right and in many cases carries more proprietary data than your own computer.

This time of year, mobile gifts are hugely popular, from new apps to new iPhones to run the apps, the future of the app-driven wireless industry is taking shape each day. As an app user myself, I get it! Apps are fun! More importantly they make life easier! Just use caution and look for reviews (especially security related reviews) pertaining to the apps that you want to download. Looking forward, mobile apps are here to stay; just start being a little more protective of your handset before you download them (especially the free/cheap ones!). You do not want to invite a “Trojan Virus” into your app phone.

About the Author: Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of the U.S.-based MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

Global Enterprise Security: The Emerging Mobile Workforce… Is Your Company Ready?

2009-12-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Global Enterprise Security: The Emerging Mobile Workforce… Is Your Company Ready?

Author: Eric Everson, Enterprise Security

“Global Enterprise Security” is an old phrase, but as many C-level managers are uncovering, there is a new face to this dynamic business environment. With technology tools flooding the market that have enabled the emergence of true virtual teams and ultimately a mobile workforce, the landscape of Global Enterprise Security has already changed faster than most IT professionals are willing to admit.

From doing remote desktop support pool-side to answering emails from your handheld device from 30,000 feet, everyone from the frontlines of the business to the top brass are integrating mobility into their work environment. Unlike some of my peers, I am not calling for the death of the brick and mortar workplace, but as a leader in digital security, I refuse to ignore the new challenges that these technologies represent to your Global Enterprise Security strategy. Most C-level manager’s never even think that their coveted BlackBerry could have already been hacked or otherwise compromised, yet it is a reality that we all face on a daily basis.

For mobile hackers, those very emails that you are responding to at 30,000 feet could mean a big paycheck if put in the right hands. Yes, we’re talking about that very real, under the table, realm of corporate espionage. If you’re a C-level executive and you think that it can’t happen to you, I encourage you to take a long hard look in the mirror and welcome yourself to the realities of the emerging mobile workforce and the issues it represents to your own security strategy. As the first go-to guy for many CIO’s facing this very real wake-up call, I can assure you that this is not an area of digital security that you or your company should take lightly. The mobile workforce of tomorrow is emerging faster than you might expect and for many business leaders looking around their companies, elements such as employee cell phones and laptops are nothing new and are giving them a certain lump in the throat that is hard to dismiss.

Beyond corporate espionage, just think for a moment about what happens when one of your employees drops their cell phone in a crowded holiday shopping center. Frighteningly few corporate IT organizations even have the safeguards in place today to remotely lock that handset from prying eyes (a technology which is now broadly available and is highly affordable to any size company). Would you want your proprietary next quarter pricing data in the wrong hands? It is a reality that far too few technology managers are equipped to deal with (which is also why my cell phone stays so hot). Whether you have put policies in place or not that deal with employee texting, inevitably I guarantee with 100% certainty your company data will find its way into a text message in the very near future.

It can be as simple as two managers riding opposite trains home that want to polish up a few last minute details for tomorrow’s big meeting and it can be as severe as employees committing the act of sharing your customer data with a third-party for added holiday cash. We are moving into new times and unfortunately far too many executive level managers are as ready to deal with the problems as they would like to admit. For the CEO reading this, just stop your CIO in the hall and ask him/her to explain JavaMites and the threat they represent to your Global Enterprise Security strategy company and you’ll see your CIO squirm against something they’ve likely never even heard of.

Just as a heads up, JavaMites are the latest form of mobile malware to emerge and are capable of jumping from any Java-enabled mobile device (nearly 90% of wireless phones/smartphones are Java-enabled) and can also infiltrate any data on the handset to feed it back to mobile hackers. (Learn More about JavaMites Here)

For the IT executives that are carrying themselves around company headquarters with that false glow of confidence, I dare to challenge that behind the icing of your technology cake is a vulnerability within your security strategy that could shake your company to its core. You can sugar coat and show boat with all of the money you have spent on security, but the reality is that via a single mobile phone a talented hacker can bypass your digital fortress and can comprise everything you have developed on your way to achieving that cozy little office and nice car in the parking garage. So why is your CEO putting my cell phone number into his phone and not calling you directly? …Is your company ready?

Eric Everson is a leader in digital security and mobile technologies as the founder of MyMobiSafe, LLC. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for media interviews or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

JavaMites: Serious Wireless Industry Threat in an App Driven Mobile Market

2009-12-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

JavaMites: Serious Wireless Industry Threat in an App Driven Mobile Market

Author: Eric Everson, Mobile Security Expert

Is your mobile phone really as safe as you think it is? The fact is that handset-level security remains as the greatest vulnerability throughout the global wireless industry. In an industry where service providers have invested heavily to protect their network investments, little is being done to secure wireless handsets. As apps are quickly becoming the driving force behind the future of the wireless industry, the risk handsets face to JavaMite attacks is growing exponentially and few of us are immune.

The world media is fairly consumed with legitimate concerns of the next “superbug”, especially considering the pandemic spread of H1N1 in recent months. These superbugs are frightening to us all because they can infect humanity as a whole and cannot be quarantined very effectively. What does a communicable superbug disease have to do with mobile security you may ask? The reality is everything! In the past year the mobile security industry has seen the debut of a unique threat that is a superbug in its own right: the JavaMite. This innocuous sounding JavaMite is in fact anything but innocuous and may quite simply become one of the most pernicious threats to the mobile industry as we know it.

What is a JavaMite? As defined in my whitepaper published by CBS Interactive this year, “In its most basic form, a JavaMite is any executable software or script written in (or with) the aid of a Java Software Development Kit/Component to specifically alter or otherwise tamper with the operational components of a mobile handset or device.” While that definition may sound overly technical, the root concern of this mobile malware is that if implemented effectively it could infect upwards of 90% of the wireless handsets in use today. By nature JavaMites are mobile executables designed to attack Java-enabled handsets (which most of us use every day). The earliest JavaMite malware attacks on the public targeted mobile banking and the first widespread attack using JavaMites was carried out in Indonesia on February 7, 2009. In this specific attack, a JavaMite was embedded as a Trojan virus (malware file name: Trojan-SMS.J2ME.GameSat.a) which targeted Indonesia by masquerading as a social instant messaging application for date seeking singles. The Trojan-SMS.J2ME.GameSat.a file was specifically designed to compromise the mobile banking infrastructure of the Indonesian market by transferring trace amounts of money from the users mobile banking account to the hackers account.

As the demand is increasing for more Apps in the wireless community, the prevalence of JavaMite attacks is certain to grow in stride. As we download new Apps to our mobile handsets this opens the door to unbeknownst threats and since the majority of the mobile phones in service today are Java-enabled, this has created a unique opportunity for JavaMite developers (hackers) to take advantage of your limited handset-level security. As too few people opt to protect their handsets with a third-party mobile security solution, a perfect storm is brewing which could put the entire wireless industry at risk. As our service providers have invested millions of dollars to protect their own networks, little to nothing has been done to introduce security protocols at the handset-level to counter JavaMite attacks. At this point users of wireless handsets must elect to protect themselves because let’s face it, if your handset gets compromised this represents an opportunity for your cell phone company to profit by selling you a new phone. While the service providers stand to profit exponentially from the mobile malware superbug of JavaMites, it is you and I that will pay the price one way or another – pay to protect your handset via a third party mobile security product or pay for a new handset once yours (and your private data therein) have been attacked.

At MyMobiSafe, LLC we have started working directly with the mobile app developers that create new apps for both the iPhone and Google Android handsets in effort to create a more secure mobile environment for everyone. While it is not an industry cure all our efforts are sure to become a valuable vaccine of defense in an app-driven mobile future. If you have not added a security solution to your handset, use caution when downloading any new app. You might just be downloading more than you’re bargaining for.

Your expert in mobile security and innovative technologies,

Eric Everson – The MobileTech

Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for media interviews or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

App Wars: Can Google Compete with Apple’s App Store?

2009-11-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

App Wars: Can Google Compete with Apple’s App Store?

Author: Eric Everson

Mobile Apps have become a vital element of the mobile experience. The iPhone is practically built on its abundance and accessibility to the ever-increasing number of apps, but the recent release of the Motorola Droid has many wondering if Google is going to flex its muscle against Apple’s App Store to propel the Google Android MOPS into the future.

Will Google introduce an app store that will rival the popular Apple App Store? Having spoke with many third-party mobile content developers, the development community is desperate for a rival marketplace to introduce their content. As some of the developers have suggested, the Apple App Store is already so crowded and puts such a tight pinch on profitability that developers are forced to compete by volume not quality.

As a mobile security expert, this obviously introduces many concerns regarding the security of the mobile apps that are hitting the market, but more importantly begs the question: How will Google respond? If you’ve been to Android.com lately you may have noticed the Android Market, a small-scale window into what could be the beginning of Google’s fight in the mobile app market. This site offers somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 different apps for the Android MOPS. The Android MOPS (Mobile Operating System) made its most recent debut on the Motorola Droid handset which hit Verizon Wireless stores on November 6, 2009.

The handset has been met with mixed reviews (especially from the iPhone naysayers) but in all honesty I’ve found it to be a cool little handset so far. Though a few key apps come pre-loaded on the Droid, you’ll instantly find yourself begging for Google to start fighting back against the Apple App Store. If Google can make their app store more attractive to third-party developers (i.e. more profitable for developers than the Apple App Store competitive market place) and easier to use, I have little doubt that the developers will follow. The reality of the market is that the Google Android MOPS is just on too few handsets at this point, but I believe that a firm investment in the availability of apps could turn this market in Google’s favor.

As more apps come available for the Android handsets, the market demand for Google’s Mobile Operating System is sure to climb too. Success in the mobile industry is increasingly being driven by accessibility to apps rather than any other handset feature. The reality is that Apple’s supremacy in this market to date is directly related to their visionary ability to improve the accessibility to new mobile content. In my opinion, if any company has an opportunity to engage in an App War with Apple, Google gets my vote! The question remains, “Can Google Compete with Apple’s App Store?” Let the App War begin!!!

Eric Everson,

Founder – MyMobiSafe.com

Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com

Motorola Droid Drops Today: Happy Droid Day America!

2009-11-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Motorola Droid Drops Today: Happy Droid Day America!

Author: Eric Everson, Mobile Security Expert

If you’re wondering what all of the buzz is about with words like Droid and Android 2.0 circling about, you might think for a moment that there is a new George Lucas film that hit theaters. To the contrary, Motorola’s much anticipated Droid handset hits Verizon Wireless stores today in America. This is a hallmark handset that comes equipped with Google’s Android 2.0 MOPS (Mobile Operating System) and offers what some believe to be Verizon’s answer to the iPhone.

As the official Droid release email from Verizon promotes, “The phone that makes you feel like a four star general with natural charisma, twelve arms and the power of mind control is here and is ready to serve.” Okay so, they might be overselling it a little bit, but this Droid handset certainly pushes the competitive landscape forward within the mobile industry. Having taken some time to tinker with the handset, the quality that stands out the most in comparison to the iPhone is its ability to handle apps (applications). If you’re used to the lag of opening apps on your iPhone, the Droid will feel like a supersonic blast of Star Wars-like hyper-drive in your palm!

Also notable is the 5MP (mega pixel) camera feature which pushes the idea of the camera phone into new territory. While it might not compare to the rumored 12MP Nokia camera phone that is secretly said to be in development, you’ll certainly notice a difference in picture quality compared to the 3.2MP camera of the iPhone. The Droid has the look and also pushes handset design forward with such features as a touchscreen plus QWERTY slider keyboard to the next level. The Droid also comes out of the box with built-in access to Amazon’s MP3 store.

Compared to the thriving Apple App Store and iTunes platform, the novelty of an Android App Store seemingly falls flat, but in all fairness the Android community is still very young. As third-party mobile content developers continue to see opportunities to embrace this new market, they will likewise be motivated to develop more apps. I see a great opportunity here for Google to flex its creative muscle to answer the competitive advantage that the iPhone already has in place.

As your resident mobile security expert, I would be amiss not to acknowledge the undertone of growing security concerns regarding the Android 2.0 MOPS. Are there mobile security vulnerabilities to come? Of course, but as I’ve noted in the past, nobody in the MOPS industry addresses vulnerabilities as well as the Google team. As we uncover new vulnerabilities throughout the MOPS landscape, the Google team is consistently the fastest and most efficient to respond.

If you’re in the market for a new handset or you’re one of many Verizon customers that has been waiting patiently for a smartphone of this caliber to come along, I say to you Happy Droid Day! May the force be with you!

-Eric Everson “The MobileTech”

Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with consulting related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com

Mobile Security: The New Face of Digital Terrorism

2009-11-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Mobile Security: The New Face of Digital Terrorism

Author: Eric Everson

Hackers have been on the leading edge of digital terrorism for at least ten years now which has put cybersecurity into the national spotlight under the Obama Administration. Issues such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, attacks on government contractors, and the recently reported breach of defense contractor computers that let hackers get information on the Joint Strike Fighter, suggest that hacking has become commonplace in the computing industry, but is there a greater threat looming?

Looking at the digital security environment, there is one digital front that remains largely untouched by existing cybersecurity policy: mobile security and the great wireless vulnerability. The world has become completely dependent on mobile communication devices from basic cell phones to advanced smartphones. Throughout the world the use of mobile communications continues to rise and new frontiers of mobile commerce (i.e. mobile banking/payments) are finding their way into less developed markets. The reality is that cell phones are everywhere we look, but the issue is that handset-level security remains our greatest digital security vulnerability.

Why would a terrorist want to write code for your cell phone? A simple question, yet one that offers a frightening glimpse into our global issue of mobile security. In mobile communications the wireless industry operates in a network-secure environment and leaves handset-level security up to the mobile user. This has fostered an environment where the wireless network-level itself has safeguards in place, but the majority of mobile devices remain open to attack. The reality of digital terrorism in the mobile environment is that through the use of readily available Mobile Operating System (MOPS) Software Development Kits (SDKs) entire wireless markets could be systematically infected and ultimately shutdown in a DoS type of attack at the handset-level.

We’ve already seen mobile viruses that are capable of replicating themselves by auto-disseminating through your contact list. We’ve already seen the large-scale implications of JavaMite mobile viruses capable of attacking the Java-enabled plane of entry (globally nearly 80% of mobile handsets in operation today are Java-enabled). With mobile threats on the rise and an increasing arsenal of mobile hacker tools becoming readily available, the new face of digital terrorism is mobile in nature. Imagine the ability to cut off mobile communications to an entire city, country, or even continent and this is the raw power of digital terrorism that we face. Sure, the network-level has its safeguards, but what is protecting phones at the handset-level? This is something that handset manufacturers are fighting through their own unique methods but an issue that is becoming of increasing concern for mobile users… and government officials.

Remember the whole spy-proof smartphone debacle surrounding President Obama’s love of his BlackBerry? The reality is that data mining is easily accomplished via mobile handsets through any number of mobile keyloggers that are available on the open market. Whether reading someone’s messages or looking for more specific data, the technologies to access this proprietary data can be easily adopted by anyone with basic software skills. There are so many issues from data high-jacking to mass DoS attacks that are pushing their way into the mainstream realm of the digital security environment. The growth of mobile banking and the global reliance on mobile handsets is attracting hackers to this newest theater of mobile vulnerability.

Eric Everson is a leader in mobile technologies and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com

Ref: Wired.com

3-Way Mobile Security… What is Original1?

2009-10-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

3-Way Mobile Security… What is Original1?

Today, SAP, Nokia and Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) today have announced plans to form a new company, named "Original1," to deliver unique product authentication and anti-counterfeiting services across the globe. Though this venture has been grabbing some headlines, what does it really mean for mobile security?

According to the press release on the matter, “Original1's services will rely on SAP technology and solutions, while Nokia will deliver mobile authentication software to allow businesses to follow a branded product's entire life cycle, from a factory to the end customer, using mobile devices. G&D's contribution to Original1 will consist of security solutions for the entire value chain.” While the 3-way joint venture is pending regulatory approvals, the company expects to be operational before the end of the year. While this venture may/may not directly offer services to individual subscribers at the handset level, the intentions of this venture reflect the indirect opportunity to improve the user environment for wireless users.

At first glance this venture seems to be aimed primarily at introducing new solutions to improve brand protection services, but perhaps as the company moves forward we’ll all see subtle improvements in aspects of mobile commerce and mobile authentication. The battle for security in wireless has been going on for many years now and it’s finally beginning to get the respect it deserves. Considering that services such as mobile banking are increasingly being adopted, the reality is that mobile hacking tools are becoming more readily available too. Today there are multiple websites with dedicated mobile hacker software, which is a niche software market set for rapid expansion.

As the old quote attributed to Willie Sutton goes, “I rob banks because that's where the money is.” The reality is that money is digital and digital money is quickly making its way into the mobile environment. With an abundance of mobile hacker tools coming available, it already takes far less technology sophistication to hack into cell phones than it did just two years ago. Security is a veil for most people but remains a digital puzzle for those behind the hack. To see a company like Nokia involved in this 3-way joint venture speaks volumes to the opportunity for security-driven technologies to debut on future Nokia platforms.

Eric Everson – The MobileTech

Ref:
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091027-704578.html

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

2009-10-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

Dell goes Android…Another Mobile Setback for Microsoft?

2009-10-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Dell goes Android…Another Mobile Setback for Microsoft?
Author: Eric Everson

The king of the computer-based Operating System market has struggled to acquire the same level of success and scalability within the wireless industry. For years Windows Mobile has taken a back seat to other Mobile Operating Systems (MOPS) and most recently the introduction of Google’s Android marks a serious threat to Microsoft’s future in this segment.

Windows Mobile admittedly is not a bad environment, but at the edge of innovation, Android likewise ups the ante. One of the key attractions to Andriod from a developer’s perspective is that accessibility and control granted via the Android SDK. While some content can be developed in Microsoft’s free Windows Mobile SDK, there is much more creative control via the Android SDK.

For mobile users greater SDK flexibility translates to a greater variety of available third party content, something that the iPhone has brought to a whole new level. As Dell is tapping deeper into the mobile industry they’ve recently announced that they’ll be bringing an Android-based handset to market next year. While many loyal Dell users are anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Dell phone to complement their technology suite, this news creates a serious ripple in the mobile waters for Microsoft. The issues between Dell and Microsoft have seemed escalated since the disastrous debut of Vista, so it’s not a huge surprise that Dell is looking for a new avenue to embrace their mobile debut.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Microsoft needs to seriously start pulling in some fresh blood or this is sure to be another nail in its wireless coffin.

Your innovative tech insider!
Eric Everson – The MobileTech

Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

Verizon Wireless: Handset-level Mobile Security?

2009-09-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Verizon Wireless: Handset-level Mobile Security?
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe, LLC

In reading a recent press release from Verizon Wireless, something very interesting caught my eye, “Mobile Application Security - Set of professional services designed to help enterprises deliver mobile applications securely by maintaining consistent levels of protection and compliance for both traditional and mobile applications.”(Verizon; 2009) Digging deeper into this offering I found that the Mobile Security plan will enforce access codes, establish policies by which devices that are stolen or lost can be locked by the administrator and cleansed of data; encrypt devices and data cards; and deliver firewall and antivirus applications. (Managing Automation; 2009)

Perhaps it’s because I live mobile security all day, every day, but I think in their attempt to extend their professional services business, Verizon Wireless may have just walked into a hornet nest. The question is, how many times will they have to get stung before they realize the enormity of this unique industry?

I’m all for Verizon Wireless expanding their professional services business because as they’ve finally formally recognized the definite need for such services in the marketplace. Traditionally wireless providers have taken a network-level security approach to mobile security (i.e. digital security safeguards at the network-level so that they can promote their “mobile security”). In essence if your handset became infected, it only meant that you had to buy a new one which contributes to the profitability of the provider. This move into the handset-level marks an unprecedented move into the mobile security market by a wireless service provider.

Naturally, seeing a company like Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security business justifies everything that we’ve been working toward at MyMobiSafe.com for the past five years with regard to recognizing the handset-level vulnerabilities that every wireless user faces.
It will be interesting to see how Verizon Wireless embraces their new mobile security market and to see what new developments they’re able to bring to the market. I’m sure in a move like this Verizon Wireless has the financial means to develop an impressive mobile security lab and security suite, but clearly significant resources (financial, personnel, PP&E, etc) will be required to embrace this market successfully.

Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security market now is an indication that the value of handset-level security has become a mainstream issue. This announcement marks a significant move into a highly specialized market wherein Verizon Wireless must emerge successful; a failure in this market at their level could be catastrophic for everyone on the Verizon Wireless network.

Welcome to my world Verizon Wireless!

Eric Everson - The MobileTech

Refs:
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/supporting-a-mobile-workforce.html

http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/news/read/Verizon_Unwraps_New_Services_to_Manage_Mobility_33027?page=1

Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.

JavaMites: The Emerging Universal Mobile Threat

2009-03-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my entries at ZDNet.co.uk, then you know that I have been very busy lately with all of this JavaMite malware. If you’ve not been to the ZDNet blog I host lately then, you still need to be aware of this latest development in mobile malware.

As defined in my whitepaper on the topic: “a JavaMite is any executable software or script written in (or with) the aide of a Java Software Development Kit/Component to specifically alter or otherwise tamper with the operational components of a mobile handset or device.” This is a form of mobile malware that has been in development for sometime, but until February 2009 had not been fully executed.

On February 7, 2009 a JavaMite was embedded as a Trojan virus (malware file name: Trojan-SMS.J2ME.GameSat.a) which targeted Indonesia by masquerading as a social instant messaging application for date seeking singles. The Trojan-SMS.J2ME.GameSat.a file was specifically designed to compromise the mobile banking infrastructure of the Indonesian market by transferring trace amounts of money from the users mobile banking account to the hackers account. This attack targeted handsets without third party mobile security solutions and was made public very quickly upon debut.

At face value this may seem like another harmless attack, but from the perspective of technical sophistication this form of mobile malware is a major development. This form of mobile malware has the technical capacity to infect mobile devices by the masses and so far the authors have demonstrated a preference of targeting the mobile banking sector. To learn more about JavaMites and your risk as a mobile user, please visit my ZDNet blog @ http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,2000440756b,00.htm and read my whitepaper: JavaMites: The Emerging Universal Mobile Threat. Your guru in mobile security… Eric Everson – Founder, MyMobiSafe.com

Mobile Biometrics: The Future of Mobile Law Enforcement

2008-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Mobile Biometrics: The Future of Mobile Law Enforcement
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

If you find yourself strolling the Biometric Consortium Conference in Tampa, FL this week (Sept 23-25) you may want to make your way to booth 211. It is at this chic little display that Motorola has unveiled what some might consider a landmark entry in next-gen biometric technologies. At the display (primarily targeting law enforcement buyers) this little device is the latest plug-and-play tool for promoting the mobility requirements of police in the real world.

With regard to the mobile industry, this seems to be the first market ready biometric device introduced for a cellular handset. While this is a new technology, it could provide the gateway for promoting field fingerprinting and perpetrator identification into the future. As a mobile security advisor, I see an abundance of opportunity within the realm of biometric advancements in mobile handsets. The day may come where a biometric scan will become the standard for unlocking ones mobile phone for use. The days of low security four-digit passwords (yes, that’s an iPhone jab) are on the way out in favor of these next-gen biometric alternatives.

The number one concern most mobile users have regarding their handsets is the risk of their data in the hands of a stranger. If a handset is lost or stolen, in most cases we fail to have taken the preventive measures (at minimum locking the handset via the keypad). The introduction of mobile biometrics may represent a new wave of handset level protection for the mobile industry. While their remains a void in the current market for such built-in biometric components, this new device from Motorola proves the potential of such innovation to come.

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, the number one risk we have identified that threatens your mobile security is the lack of user prevention. Cell phone users continue to discount the computing power of their handsets, which continues to put millions at risk. I look for great advances in assuring handset level mobile security from mobile biometrics.

Your Mobile Security Watchdog,
Eric Everson

Eric Everson – Founder of MyMobiSafe.com

Poor Mobile Banking

2008-05-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Poor Mobile Banking
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

In reading the news this morning an interesting article from Fox Business News titled Mobile Banking to Transform Microfinance caught my eye. In short, the article discusses the capacity of mobile banking to penetrate the shortcomings of financial institutions as a vehicle of the poor. This article if nothing else makes me think that if mobile banking offers so much potential in terms of driving the flexibility of a mobile lifestyle, then why isn’t more being done to secure mobile banking?

As I’ve declared in the past, mobile banking’s greatest security vulnerability resides at the handset level. This means that the lack of security that most mobile handsets have lends them to incredible risk as a financial instrument. Lending from this article, how much more does targeting the lowest income demographics compound the security vulnerabilities that reside in mobile banking? By this statement I merely intend to suggest that this demographic is less likely to use the higher-end handset spectrum (which boasts better security) while they are also less likely to seek a third-party software to bolster the security shortcomings of their handsets.

The article suggests, “A new report from the global microfinance body CGAP predicts that, with the right market conditions, mobile banking could reach large numbers of poor people who are outside the formal financial system.” I do not actually disagree with this, but the issues becomes defining what comprise “the right market conditions” to truly penetrate mobile banking to such a traditionally technology adoption laggard demographic.

As a mobile security professional (with a business degree), I see a much greater need to focus on the handset level mobile security vulnerabilities that threaten the macroeconomics of mobile banking as a whole. If the overall environment of mobile banking is threatened by the gaping holes of handset level security coupled with the grave lack of handset interoperability across the global wireless industry, how will mobile banking ever gain the traction needed to become a standard conduit to the financial industry?

Let’s face it, mobile banking is a newer technology that has some major areas of opportunity with regards to security. As security is only as strong as the weakest link, mobile banking faces serious hurdles at the handset level.

Your mobile security guru,
Eric E

Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

Article in Reference: http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/mobile-banking-transform-microfinance/

Mobile Security Guru

2008-03-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Most of you that follow my blogs know that I am “The Mobile Security Guru” at the ZDNet.co.uk blog site too. I have been a bit more diligent in keeping that blog updated, so feel free to check it out too.

http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,2000440756b,00.htm

The Network May Be Safe But Is Your Phone?

2007-10-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

Mobile Torrents A Cell Phone Security Nightmare

2007-08-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

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

Eminent Domain? Cell Phone Owners On Notice.

2007-08-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

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

What Is the Threat: Truth About Cell Phone Security

2007-08-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

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

New RIM BlackBerry Better Than iPhone?

2007-07-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

Spy In Your Pocket?

2007-07-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

iPhone Gets First Third-Party Attempt

2007-07-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

Mobile Antivirus: Handset Manufacturers or Wireless Providers

2007-07-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Cracking The iPhone: The Hackers Rubik’s Cube

2007-07-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

iPhone Security Solution Getting Closer.

2007-07-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

2007-07-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

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

Mobile Keyloggers and Your Credit Card Information

2007-07-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

Mobile Security Top Story on MSNBC News Yesterday

2007-06-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

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.

How Safe Is That Mobile Phone In Your Hand?

2007-06-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

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.