"cellphones security"

Mobile Security



Mobile security has become increasingly important as more & more users & business use smartphones to communicate.



But smartphones collect & compile an increasing amount of sensitive information to which access must be controlled to protect the privacy of the users.

All smartphones,as computers,can be the target of attacks. It can be done by SMS,MMS,Bluetooth & GSM.

3 main targets for attackers:-

1. Data: smartphones are devices for data management, and may contain sensitive data like credit card numbers, authentication information, private information, activity logs (calendar, call logs) 
2. Identity: smartphones are highly customizable, so the device or its contents can easily be associated with a specific person.
3. Availability: Attacking a smartphone can limit access to it and deprive the owner of its use.

Main Sources:-

• Professionals, whether commercial or military, who focus on the three targets mentioned above. They steal sensitive data from the general public. 
• Thieves who want to gain income through data or identities they have stolen. The thieves will attack many people to increase their potential income;
• Black hat hackers who specifically attack availability.Their goal is to develop viruses, and cause damage to the device
• Grey hat hackers who reveal vulnerabilities.Their goal is to expose vulnerabilities of the device.Grey hat hackers do not intend on damaging the device or stealing data.

Safegaurd to protect mobile phones:-

• Use a PIN/keylock code

           The reasons for doing so are obvious – if a phone is lost, stolen or simply left unattended,anyone that picks it up will have unrestricted access also set up a SIM card lock in the form  of a PIN number that will need to be entered when a phone is turned on in order to connect to a network. 

• Protect sensitive data

           Most smartphone platforms offer software that can encrypt files or folders on a device with industry-standard protection, which means a code must be entered before a file can be viewed or copied. 

•  Watch your wireless

           The first thing to remember is to always switch off a wireless connection when it’s not in use. It ensures that malicious parties can’t connect to a device without your knowledge. 

• Bluetooth

           Hackers have found ways to remotely access a phone (provided they are within range) and use it to make calls, access data, listen in on conversations and browse the internet.To prevent this set default Bluetooth configuration to “non-discoverable” mode by default. 

• Rooting your phone

           Rooting is usually only done by “experts”, who should therefore be aware of the potential dangers, but if someone offers to root a phone for you while citing the benefits, it’s important to be aware of the security risks as well.

• Back up your data

          Ensuring that regular backups are made is therefore essential.Most modern phones now allow users to “synchronise” information with a computer or website for productivity or backup purposes.This can include e-mails and contacts with Microsoft Outlook, photos uploaded to online storage or proprietary software supplied by the phone manufacturer to simply backup key data in the event of loss.

• Security software

           Security software can help you avoid many of the potential dangers associated with smartphones. Furthermore, it’s possible to lock a device remotely, requiring password access on the handset or a specific unlock request to enable it. If a phone has simply been misplaced in the home, an audible alert request can be sent to the device to signal its location, and it’s even possible to erase sensitive data remotely if you’re sure it has found its way into the wrong hands.

                                                        

                                                                                                website: https://www.ica.in/

                                                                                                Helpline No: 9968600000

                                                                                                Email: cyberarmy@ica.in