At last week’s RSA Conference in San Francisco, one of the key topics discussed was smartphone security. In this day in age where the smart phone is as capable and connected as a personal computer, many vendors predict that smartphones will become the next big target for malware. Although there have not been many documented mobile malware scares yet in the US, in many countries the problem has already arisen.
One of the main concerns vendors say is that people put information on their smartphone that they may not put on their PC since their phones generally are never out of their immediate control so they feel more secure. However, it is that same mobility that puts them at risk - smartphones can be lost easily and they cross through myriad wireless networks on any given day.
Similarly, the caution PC users exhibit when downloading and installing software on their PCs may not carry over to their smartphones even though their phones may be just as vulnerable. Fortunately many companies are taking preventative steps to ensure the security of their products with these risks in mind. The Windows Phone, for example, has a strict application development process making certain the security of its users’ information.
According to the PCWorld coverage of RSA conference, many security software companies have either released or are planning to release a mobile security app of some sort showing that over the next few years a large emphasis will be placed on smartphone security and the development of smartphone security apps. This can be a huge opportunity for students looking to set themselves apart in searching for employment. Students with knowledge and skills in smartphone application development and security will prove to be valuable assets to their future employers. The ability to protect vital mobile information will become increasingly relevant as smartphone use and technology continues to grow.
Students interested in learning more about mobile applications should familiarize themselves with Windows Mobile MCTS certifications.