There is an app for this, there is an app for that, there is an app for just about anything you can think of. So what happens when the demand for something moves so quickly the supply can’t keep up? No matter what the product is, this will be a problem. In retail, it may mean that orders are not being filled and customer satisfaction goes down. In the service industry, customers are having jobs not being done on time. In Development, it is much worse. When demand for technology reaches a high level, you get products built quickly and without much thought around security. Unfortunately, that is where the mobile app stands now.
To meet the demands of companies looking to go mobile, developers have created some of the largest security breaches in history. As it stands, the mobile device is, for many reasons, a huge target for hackers.
“When it comes to security, most mobile devices are a target waiting to be attacked. That’s pretty much the conclusion of a report to Congress on the status of the security of mobile devices this week by watchdogs at the Government Accountability Office.
Combine the lack of security with the fact that mobile devices are being targeted by cybercriminals and you have a bad situation. For example, the number of variants of malicious software aimed at mobile devices has reportedly risen from about 14,000 to 40,000 or about 185% in less than a year, the GAO stated.” Michael Cooney – Network World
There are many ways a user can protect themselves from malware and other security risks on mobile devices. Here are just a few.
- Make sure your device has an antimalware software installed
- Keep the antimalware software up to date
- Use a firewall if you need to connect to unsecured wireless networks (Hotels, airports, etc)
- Only download apps from reputable companies. Small companies don’t have the resources to develop apps that are bulletproof.
- Keep all of your apps up to date with latest security patches.
It is way too easy to get caught up in the excitement about a new feature that you forget to ask the important questions:
- Who will support the mobile app if it crashes?
- Are you tooled to take thousands of support calls at your shop?
- If a mobile payment is being made and it doesn’t get to you, how are you going to rectify this?
- Does the payment processor even allow pawn payments or are you going to have funds being withheld from you?
The list goes on…
Data Age has always kept the safety of our customers in mind when developing new technology. By taking our time and determining the possible pitfalls prior to development, we have saved our customers time and time again.
