Use of Cloud Services, Mobile Gadgets Raise Security Concerns

Grazed from Adotas. Author: Kristi Carter.

Just about everyone has seen advertisements for cloud computing services and most people can even recognize the blue cloud-shaped symbol that symbolizes it. However, not many people understand how it works. In a nutshell, cloud computing is a complicated infrastructure that allows end-users to sync and organize their personal data (movies, contacts, emails, etc.) with multiple devices.

In essence, your personal cloud (a computing service model that is protected by a firewall and only available to a select number of users in an organization) connects to a public cloud (a computing service model that provides service to the general public or anyone on the web). Companies like Azaleos, a managed service company, realize that these connections can be vulnerable to attacks and have developed systems to secure private clouds so no one can gain access without your permission…

According to mobile-security experts, if you use a mobile phone or tablet and access the web via cloud service or app, you should be even more concerned about the vulnerability of your personal information. Security experts report there are three major security problems that could affect you and put your personal information at risk: authenticating access, privacy, and malware. In essence, individuals who use cloud apps are at risk, and those who don’t have a trustworthy app are putting their information in danger.

Why The Need For Security on Mobile Gadgets Is Urgent

Don’t believe the hype? Consider this: There have been reports from top Chinese companies that the security of a company’s data was compromised when the executives utilized their unprotected mobile device and tablets in the office.

According to Japanese security company, Trend Micro, there is at least one new threat for mobile gadgets every second on the Internet. From their experience, a new hacking job is performed every 5 minutes. In fact, just last week, Trend Micro reported that 90 percent of all global companies have hidden malware in their company’s computers and mobile phones. Scary, isn’t it?

Even scarier is the fact that it isn’t just happening in Asia, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. The need to secure mobile phones and tablets to prevent malware and hacking is worldwide.

Recently, South Korea’s second biggest wireless provider, KT Corporation, was hacked by two programmers who gained access to the personal data of over 8.7 million phone subscribers.

In another incident, IT and security researchers discovered a scam to fool those looking for free security apps. According to these researchers, more than 50 free applications within the Android market contain malware. In short, these apps are booby-trapped, and those that download and use them are at risk. Unfortunately, they have already been downloaded more than 200,000 times and these numbers are growing. You see, some people are aware of security risks but are unwilling to pay to protect themselves. They inevitably fall prey to “poisoned security apps” and then lose much of their data to cyber thieves.

So, what’s the recommendation? Protect your information with the right security solution.

New App Available

For those who use their smartphones for both business and pleasure, Snap Mylife, an innovative and forward-thinking developer of cloud-service applications, recently launched its very own product for mobile cloud security: Snap Secure. According to VP for Marketing Michael Subhan, “Smartphones and tablets are mainstream, and we want to inform consumers that there are mobile security apps on the market that will help them to protect their families, their devices and their data in a responsible yet cost-effective manner.”

More specifically, Snap Secure plans can provide the following services:

Protecting privacy of the information on the mobile gadget, including location and details of ownership.
Tracking mobile devices when lost or misplaced.
Deletion of personal device data when the device has been lost or stolen.
Restoring lost or deleted data.
Backing up data.
Protecting users from malware like spam, spyware, and viruses.

There are two subscription plans available:

$5.99/month, which allows for up to 5 mobile gadget users.
$57.99/year for up to 5 users (a savings of $13.89).

The Snap Secure app has already been downloaded more than 2 million times and has 2,500 paid subscribers.

Security at Work

Another product worth mentioning is Azaleos Managed IT Services, which offers additional services like managed tracking, customer feedback, project management, triage, and response monitoring for businesses. These services help companies become more efficient and decrease overhead. Azaleos also offers mobile management services, sharing of data, cloud email access, encryption, backup, filter, and archiving among others. It even has Health Check services that plug loopholes and ensure that your data is secure.

Azaleos is a pioneer in the industry and has a solid reputation for delivering customized solutions that can grow with your company’s needs. The cost of hiring Azaleos professionals depends on your budget and the services you require. To get a more accurate picture of their overall costs, you can request a free consultation at azaleos.com.