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How Secure is Your Mobile Device?

Everyone knows desktop and laptop computers are vulnerable to viruses and other security risks, but if you think your mobile device is safe, think again. While mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, face different types of security challenges than their traditional counterparts, those challenges still exist and need to be addressed.

What exactly are those security challenges? A recent article by Michael Cooney, Online News Editor at Network World, Inc., outlined several security threats commonly encountered by mobile devices, as well as the best ways to protect against those threats. The list of threats and fixes comes from a report recently issued to Congress by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Security Threats and Fixes

Enterprise Security

In the brave new world of mobile computing, enterprise security is another security challenge facing mobile devices. Enterprise security is a term that’s often used in IT and security circles to refer to security involving any computing devices a business or organization uses.

When mobile devices are used for work within a business or organization, the device itself is not the only component at risk for security threats. Any information pertaining to the organization that goes between the server and the mobile device is also potentially at risk, making server security critical as well.

The best way to keep your mobile devices secure is to make sure you use the security tools at your disposal. Beyond using passwords and pin numbers, file encryption, and installing timely updates and security software, consider installing additional features such as whitelisting software, remote disabling and a personal firewall. Every security safeguard you use is one more layer of protection against hacked devices and stolen information.

About the Author: Contributing blogger Mark Seros is an enterprise security expert and consultant. When not following the latest security trends, Mark teaches basic computing skills at a local community college.