MyMobiSafe.com Suggests Cell Phone Problems Could Be Viral
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Has your phone been acting up? Perhaps what you’ve got is not just a user-issue but a real mobile threat. As phones get more sophisticated, mobile security threats continue to target unsuspecting cell phone owners.

Many have questioned the extent that cell phones are targeted by malicious threats, but the examples just keep rolling in to confirm the fears. Don’t just take my word for it, here is a clip directly from the blog of Yahoo Tech Editor Robin Raskin, “What do these viruses do? Reports are trickling in: A Seattle family was watched, monitored, and threatened because of spyware on their cell phone. A man's cell phone content was wiped clean after he downloaded a virus-infested ringtone. Crashes, unstable or slower-than-usual performance, quick battery consumption, incorrect or skyrocketing mobile phone bills, a dramatic increase in messaging charges—any of these could be a virus.”

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I am in a unique position in the scheme of sharing the threats about mobile security. On one hand I oversee the monitoring and response efforts at the MyMobiSafe.com Mobile Security Provider (MSP) and on the other hand I want to share as much as I can with the general public about it. As a mobile security company we’ve been making our own rules from the beginning by refusing to accept the industry’s way of doing business. We stay connected to our subscribers and keep them informed all of the time. As all of our subscribers are already aware, there is a dark side of the mobile community. The reality is that cell phones (of all makes and models) just are not safe anymore. People put way too much trust in their handset, all the while hackers are having a hay-day doing as they please.

Many factors have made mobile security the responsibility of the handset owner. Handset manufacturers are under intense pressure to introduce “the next big thing” all the while security concerns take a backseat. As a catch-22 if the manufacturer touts the “security” of their handset it only sets the agenda for the hacker community. All in all, cell phone owners everywhere are beginning to see symptoms that should not be dismissed. If your cell phone has any of the following symptoms e-mail us at support@MyMobiSafe.com so we can help you today:

 Slow System Response
 Unusual Icons/Messages
 Low Battery Life
 Powering On/Off
 Unusual Light Blinking
 Loss of Screen Control
 Unusual Text Messages
 Text Messages Being Sent Without Your Knowledge
 Higher Than Normal Usage/Billing
 Disruptive Noises From Speakers When Making/Receiving Calls

All of these (and many more) are symptoms we see when phones have been infected with malware. If you suspect that your phone has been acting odd, my team at Support@MyMobiSafe.com can run free diagnostics to get your handset back to normal again. While many MSP’s are in this industry for the money, we are in it for your mobile security. It might be the beginning of flu season, but there is no reason that your phone should be sick too.

The threats that I’ve been sharing via my blogs are spreading as mobile security is new territory for most people. I encourage you to learn more about mobile security issues by reading my blog and surfing the net. What was once considered a low level threat is becoming an issue for many cell phone users.

Your friend and mobile security guru,

Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com

Check out the great mobile security article by Robin Raskin at: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/14640

Google Android: Mobile Open Source Door Kicked Open
By Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com

At the Google press conference today, the Google team answered many questions that have been circulating throughout the internet regarding its Android initiative. The upcoming Android SDK (Software Development Kit) debut is about to kick open the doors of mobile open source.

According to Stephen Wellman of InformationWeek.com, “During the press conference, Google's representatives beamed that the upcoming Android SDK and terms of service would be among the "most broad and liberal" in the wireless industry. Android promises to provide developers and handset makers with an incredibly flexible and powerful mobile OS and development environment.”

The internet is currently abuzz with the potential that Android promises third-party developers. As Google eases into the mobile environment, many are wondering how the powerhouse company will redefine the standards of the mobile industry. There is definite potential for Android to become the next leading Operating System within the mobile industry. Could Symbian and Microsoft Mobile take a backseat to Google’s Android? Perhaps only the future will tell. The issues regarding the handset level security vulnerabilities that the Android open source Operating System introduce are just beginning to develop. As the Android SDK will make the debut well before the Google Phone, Google may want to consider the acquisition of a mobile security provider too.

Your friend and mobile security expert,

Eric Everson
Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Google Phone The Next Hacker Romance?
By: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Rumors have been circulating all year about the 2008 debut of “The Google Phone” but Google has been calculated in sharing only bits of insight with every developing story. In a recent Cnet.com posting by Elinor Mills we learned “In addition to the ad-supported phone services bundling Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail, the operating system would be open to developers to build additional features.” The catch phrase in this news as a mobile security expert is “open to developers” which should strike up some level of anxiety.

Since October 1, 2007 mobile manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola, Apple, and yes now even Google have announced intentions to open their handsets to third-party developers. As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I am actually all for the move to “unlock mobile” but it doesn’t take someone in my position to see the underlying threat that this is bringing to cell phone owners. As a result of the speed of technology rampant throughout the mobile manufacturing industry coupled with network level only security by service providers, cell phone security has been left in the hands of the handset owner.

While many of the emerging third-party developments will be pure and safe in nature, the poor state of security throughout the mobile industry will literally put millions at risk. There are already spyware and tracking programs available throughout the mobile industry, so opening to third-party will only further open the door for these programs and threats. As the iPhone became the overnight romance of the hacker community, the Google Phone is sure to attract attention of its own. Additionally, as mobile banking is emerging throughout the world financial markets, vulnerabilities in mobile security are also being targeted. As cell phone security has become the responsibility of the handset owner, Mobile Security Providers will play a pivotal role in providing a line of cellular defense.

I encourage your comments as cell phone owners; who should take the greatest level of responsibility to improve the state of mobile security? Are you fine with the current standard of buying your own mobile security solution, or should the manufacturers or service providers take a more proactive approach towards handset level security?

Your friend and mobile security guru,
Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com

Could Mobile Save Alcatel-Lucent?
By Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

Headlines today are rattled by weary reports of the turbulence that Alcatel-Lucent is experiencing. The two companies that came together to join as one, were once considered innovation leaders. Telecommunications industry consolidations and financial hardships have withered away what was once a thriving industry of opportunity. How can Alcatel-Lucent reposition as an innovation leader once again?

There comes a time when all business leaders have to make difficult decisions about the direction of their company. This being one of those critical times for Alcatel-Lucent, the leadership team can either “keep beating their tired horse” or return to their collective roots of innovation. One may ask where the greatest opportunity for innovation is today and the answer undoubtedly rests within the mobile environment.

As the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, I am one convinced that what is taking shape in mobile is leading us towards the next great wave of innovation. It may or may not be the next dot-com surge, but mobile is undeniably one of the hottest emerging markets. Where does Alcatel-Lucent fit in as a mobile innovation leader? I think the right answer resides in a blended balance of mobile offerings that complement the innovative spirit that these companies both have rooted in their mutual past. From handsets, infrastructure, to opportunities within mobile security Alcatel-Lucent has the right mix of talent and resources to reclaim their once undeniable market presence. The right move into mobile could reposition Alcatel-Lucent as an innovation powerhouse well into the future.

The future for Alcatel-Lucent is at a cross-road and like many others I am looking forward to seeing a return to innovation.

Your mobile security guru,
Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com

Emerging Mobi Markets - Is Mobile The Next Dot-Com?
By Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com

The winds of change are blowing throughout the mobile community. Cell phone manufacturers are taking steps towards opening phones which will forever change the terrain of mobile. Since October 1, Nokia, Motorola, and Apple have all committed to opening their phones which is a sign of what is to come.

Opening phones is the critical paradigm shift that is occurring which is subsequently creating a world of potential for those in the mobile application and mobile website business. It is not unrealistic that mobile phones will significantly replace traditional computer internet usage over the coming years. With more phones able to directly connect to the internet, the computer is becoming but a relic of technology history.

Like those few already familiar with this emerging mobile territory, I too have been busy building a diverse mobile portfolio. For it is the innovation today that will sculpt the future of mobile as the next great frontier. Cell phones offer the ability to connect to the internet without the limitations of a computer. If you are away from your laptop, it is becoming so much easier to connect to the net via mobile.

As the computer-based internet mainstays have already been carved out, mobile sites and applications represent the next great opportunity for development. Don’t be surprised to see big dollar deals popping up all over Mobi; things are starting to heat up in mobile as developer portfolios are growing every day.

Your friend and mobi guru,

Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com