Popular Technology Degrees
Is Your Smartphone Safe?
March 1, 2007
by
Mary Hobson
Technology Schools Columnist
We've all become paranoid about security on our PCs, and with reason. Catching a virus is not funny, and it could be the least of your problems--identity theft is on the rise. Now it seems that a new threat is looming on the technical horizon, in the form of viruses and other malware that are aimed at cell phones.
Smartphones are big business for cell phone manufacturers, and companies such as Nokia are busy producing handheld devices that are equipped to handle both telephone and Internet functions. They are generally designed for corporate use and are connected to the company networks. This creates a doorway that could, if security and protection is not adequate, allow virus and spyware infection throughout a company's system.
Wi-Fi PDAs Need Industrial Strength Protection
Most PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and smartphones may have some protection, but this may not be enough. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for example, considered network security issues when they realized that there was a rise in the use of PDAs by their healthcare staff during 2004. They added another layer of security software to make sure that the devices could be remotely managed and, if necessary, wiped clean.
Security First
Security continues to be a major concern for most computer users, and in particular for corporate employees who wish to use their products as effectively as possible. New threats require new protection, which in turn calls for a new generation of IT security professionals. IT security experts rely on continuous
online training as the only way to keep one step ahead of the security threats to IT.
If this sounds exciting to you, consider earning your own
degree in computer and network security. It can certainly lead to a secure future for you.
Source
About the Author
Mary Hobson is the Head of IT School for a Polytechnic in New Zealand. She earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a master's degree level.
