Serious Threat or FUD Machine? The Mobile Security Debate

Recent reports around mobile security threat ignited strong responses from some in the security community claiming that the reports overstate the concern and that security controls built into the phone like sandboxing, mitigate the threat. In November, a number of reports emerged within the security community finding a staggering growth in malware targeting smartphones on Android and other platforms. Reports from both Juniper Networks and McAfee found significant increases in malicious applications targeting Android and Lookout Mobile Security identified malware on the official Android Marketplace. So who’s right? This session will deconstruct this debate and argue that mobile security, while different than traditional PC security, is a growing and significant concern. It will explore the risks presented by malware, as well as the threats presented by unsecured wireless networks and other threats absent in the current public debate. The session is intended to be interactive and encourage audience participation in the discussion into this newly emerging trend, looking to separate the real threats from the hype.