Official Mobile Security & Innovative Technologies Blog
This blog is managed/edited by Eric Everson. The purpose of this blog is to discuss common threats and solutions that exist within the mobile community in addition to the intricacies of innovative technologies and the markets therein.
Thank you for taking the time to review my blog; I am Eric Everson the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. In addition to my duties at MyMobiSafe, LLC I am also a full-time graduate student and mobile industry researcher. As a mobile security expert and innovative technologies leader, I am glad to answer any questions you may have: EricEverson@Hotmail.com
Tuesday 19 August 2008, 7:37 PM
Wallet Phones Are Coming:Visa Should Jump On Board
Wallet Phones Are Coming:Visa Should Jump On Board
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com
I have touched on the subject of wallet phones (a mobile handset capable of eliminating the need for a wallet) in the past, but the Japanese are pursuing this technology with vigor. I am admittedly fond of being able to trade in my leather wallet for a wallet phone, though as a Harley-Davidson loyal the handset better come with an officially licensed bar and shield logo to match my current wallet.
With such technologies emerging in the way of wireless handsets, this seems like a particularly good time for credit card brands like Visa to jump on board. The foundation for the future of mobile banking is being laid today, so naturally wallet phones are the next great gateway therein. Imagine the leap forward that wallet phones would get if they were accepted everywhere Visa is accepted. After all, hasn’t Visa built their global marketing success on the “everywhere you want to be” campaign?
My pocket real estate is monopolized by my phone and my wallet; if these two could come together the market potential of the “v-Phone” (a.k.a. the Visa Phone) would likely make the iPhone success look like a grain of salt in the Morton’s Salt shaker. The perfect wallet phone should accommodate ones plastic necessities (drivers license, Blockbuster Video card, Gym/Fitness ID, etc) too. Likewise, the Internet capability of the wallet phone would have to be conducive to the luxuries that mobile banking has introduced. If I can’t do my mobile banking from my phone, then I should just carry an ATM/Debit card and forget the whole wallet phone thing anyway.
In essence, I see great potential in the future for wallet phones. Getting the features and security issues all inline is the first step, but connecting a credit card brand to this technology likely remains the catalyst for mass market adoption. If all goes well, I may find myself trading in my Harley-Davidson wallet one day.
Eric Everson (Mobile Security Expert and Wallet Phone Hopeful)
Eric Everson is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com and remains connected to the latest trends of the mobile industry especially those involving mobile security. To contact Eric regarding matters of mobile security or mobile industry developments email EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Article In Ref: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/08/19/japan.technology.ap/index.html
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com
I have touched on the subject of wallet phones (a mobile handset capable of eliminating the need for a wallet) in the past, but the Japanese are pursuing this technology with vigor. I am admittedly fond of being able to trade in my leather wallet for a wallet phone, though as a Harley-Davidson loyal the handset better come with an officially licensed bar and shield logo to match my current wallet.
With such technologies emerging in the way of wireless handsets, this seems like a particularly good time for credit card brands like Visa to jump on board. The foundation for the future of mobile banking is being laid today, so naturally wallet phones are the next great gateway therein. Imagine the leap forward that wallet phones would get if they were accepted everywhere Visa is accepted. After all, hasn’t Visa built their global marketing success on the “everywhere you want to be” campaign?
My pocket real estate is monopolized by my phone and my wallet; if these two could come together the market potential of the “v-Phone” (a.k.a. the Visa Phone) would likely make the iPhone success look like a grain of salt in the Morton’s Salt shaker. The perfect wallet phone should accommodate ones plastic necessities (drivers license, Blockbuster Video card, Gym/Fitness ID, etc) too. Likewise, the Internet capability of the wallet phone would have to be conducive to the luxuries that mobile banking has introduced. If I can’t do my mobile banking from my phone, then I should just carry an ATM/Debit card and forget the whole wallet phone thing anyway.
In essence, I see great potential in the future for wallet phones. Getting the features and security issues all inline is the first step, but connecting a credit card brand to this technology likely remains the catalyst for mass market adoption. If all goes well, I may find myself trading in my Harley-Davidson wallet one day.
Eric Everson (Mobile Security Expert and Wallet Phone Hopeful)
Eric Everson is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com and remains connected to the latest trends of the mobile industry especially those involving mobile security. To contact Eric regarding matters of mobile security or mobile industry developments email EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Article In Ref: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/08/19/japan.technology.ap/index.html
Tuesday 19 August 2008, 6:57 PM
Mobile Networks Threatened - DEFCON Hackers Could Help
Mobile Networks Threatened - DEFCON Hackers Could Help
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com
If you are worth your weight in code, you know that the “hot spot” this month was the annual DEFCON event held in Las Vegas. In my mind, this is the annual event where hackers and federal agents co-exist in a who’s who environment that celebrates the hacker world. If you are an up-and-coming hacker, this is always a good place to make sure the U.S. government is able to put a face with your profile. For other industry experts, this event provides the opportunity to revisit the new and existing vulnerabilities that plague in the commercial setting.
Ever focused on mobile security, my takeaway from this years event was not the “not so smart card hacks” but rather the underlying implications that were subtly unveiled that could wreak havoc on the network security level of the wireless industry. With the demands for mobile data services growing at an impressive rate in all wireless markets, network level mobile security is becoming a true concern.
For those cell phone users that have already found that their handset is the next frontier of the Internet, the realization of network level security plays a paramount role. Globally, we are losing the battle for handset level security as new handsets without a mobile security solution far outpace those that are protected. For global wireless users, this suggests that the only line of security in place is at the network level. As the MBTA debacle at DEFCON points out, there are significant vulnerabilities at hand with regard to cyber security.
In wireless infrastructure these security implications touch every handset as all mobile data relies on the commercially deployed mobile networks. The security of ones handset realistically has become directly influenced by the levels of network security investment by the service provider. Having seen some of the talent roaming the event at the Riviera Hotel and Casino last week, my thought is that the network level is in trouble if the focus gets shifted from the current trend of handset specific malware. Let us hope that those in charge at the wireless service providers have half of the security insight that recently graced Las Vegas.
As the annual DEFCON event provides a basis for revisiting corporate security vulnerabilities, it seems that the wireless industry is due for some preventative medicine too. Just some food for thought… Imagine what security insight could be gained by the service providers if they would sponsor the DEFCON.
Your friend in mobile security,
Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe.com
If you are worth your weight in code, you know that the “hot spot” this month was the annual DEFCON event held in Las Vegas. In my mind, this is the annual event where hackers and federal agents co-exist in a who’s who environment that celebrates the hacker world. If you are an up-and-coming hacker, this is always a good place to make sure the U.S. government is able to put a face with your profile. For other industry experts, this event provides the opportunity to revisit the new and existing vulnerabilities that plague in the commercial setting.
Ever focused on mobile security, my takeaway from this years event was not the “not so smart card hacks” but rather the underlying implications that were subtly unveiled that could wreak havoc on the network security level of the wireless industry. With the demands for mobile data services growing at an impressive rate in all wireless markets, network level mobile security is becoming a true concern.
For those cell phone users that have already found that their handset is the next frontier of the Internet, the realization of network level security plays a paramount role. Globally, we are losing the battle for handset level security as new handsets without a mobile security solution far outpace those that are protected. For global wireless users, this suggests that the only line of security in place is at the network level. As the MBTA debacle at DEFCON points out, there are significant vulnerabilities at hand with regard to cyber security.
In wireless infrastructure these security implications touch every handset as all mobile data relies on the commercially deployed mobile networks. The security of ones handset realistically has become directly influenced by the levels of network security investment by the service provider. Having seen some of the talent roaming the event at the Riviera Hotel and Casino last week, my thought is that the network level is in trouble if the focus gets shifted from the current trend of handset specific malware. Let us hope that those in charge at the wireless service providers have half of the security insight that recently graced Las Vegas.
As the annual DEFCON event provides a basis for revisiting corporate security vulnerabilities, it seems that the wireless industry is due for some preventative medicine too. Just some food for thought… Imagine what security insight could be gained by the service providers if they would sponsor the DEFCON.
Your friend in mobile security,
Eric Everson, Founder
MyMobiSafe.com
Friday 8 August 2008, 3:04 AM
Two of a Kind: Mobile Banking Needs Mobile Security
Two of a Kind: Mobile Banking Needs Mobile Security
Author: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com
As recently as August 5, 2008 I read another report about the limited use of mobile banking in the UK. The MarketWatch article suggested that only about 25,000 used the mobile banking network Monilink in 2007. The problem that banks fear is that all of the infrastructure investment made to support mobile banking has yet to demonstrate its potential as a viable growth market opportunity. This is not a concern merely in the UK as many banks in the USA are facing the same uncertainties of limited uptake.
Why are cell phone users not turning to this technology of mobile banking faster? There are two answers that no matter how hard we try to separate them remained intertwined. The first is rooted in the simple mobile security of the cell phone banking transaction and the other deals with the expectation of banks that users will pay for such services. I won’t get on my macroeconomics soapbox regarding the incredible paradigm shift that the world must embrace regarding the poor business model surrounding “free banking” that the financial industry has created. We all know in our hearts that this era of free banking is on the way out… just take a look at the performance (or lack thereof) in the financial sectors and it is merely a reality check staring back at us all. The reason that banks have failed to propel mobile banking into the mainstream is solved simply enough through a structured handset level security approach.
How does such a monster evolve? Mobile security providers (MSP) need to redefine their product in such a way that allows banks to offer their mobile security solutions (for a residual fee) so that the gateway to the transaction (and all other mobile transactions) is secured. Banks as the centerpiece of this equation will revenue share on the monthly mobile security fee that is to be built in which thus creates unique revenue streams for both the bank and the MSP. The idea is to secure the handset level so that novelties such as mobile banking can be done in confidence. In essence mobile security stands as a viable gateway to overcoming the adoption hurdles of cellular-based innovations such as mobile banking. This creates a win-win dynamic where in the customer, banks, and MSP’s are all being satisfied.
Let’s face it, everyone understands and accepts paying a little extra for security. But when you try to confront that torrid beast of free banking by making customers pay to use mobile banking you will fail every single time. The banks need MSP’s as much as the MSP’s need the banks. Introducing mobile security products into the mobile banking sector is a strategic solution to managing the debt (or better yet… investment) that was created in the infrastructure build-out. We are becoming a world hooked on mobility, so the reality is that mobile banking is here to stay. Slow uptake of mobile banking should remain of little concern with such a plausible conduit as mobile security to lead the way. The freedom to do your banking without being wired to your computer is a beautiful thing; it is just that the customers need to feel the security of the transaction domain first.
Your mobile security guru,
Eric Everson – Founder, MyMobiSafe.com
Article in Reference: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/gain-insight-how-innovations-unsecured/story.aspx?guid=%7B55BC27C3-0132-49AC-865D-78BB59234C8F%7D&dist=hppr
Author: Eric Everson, Founder - MyMobiSafe.com
As recently as August 5, 2008 I read another report about the limited use of mobile banking in the UK. The MarketWatch article suggested that only about 25,000 used the mobile banking network Monilink in 2007. The problem that banks fear is that all of the infrastructure investment made to support mobile banking has yet to demonstrate its potential as a viable growth market opportunity. This is not a concern merely in the UK as many banks in the USA are facing the same uncertainties of limited uptake.
Why are cell phone users not turning to this technology of mobile banking faster? There are two answers that no matter how hard we try to separate them remained intertwined. The first is rooted in the simple mobile security of the cell phone banking transaction and the other deals with the expectation of banks that users will pay for such services. I won’t get on my macroeconomics soapbox regarding the incredible paradigm shift that the world must embrace regarding the poor business model surrounding “free banking” that the financial industry has created. We all know in our hearts that this era of free banking is on the way out… just take a look at the performance (or lack thereof) in the financial sectors and it is merely a reality check staring back at us all. The reason that banks have failed to propel mobile banking into the mainstream is solved simply enough through a structured handset level security approach.
How does such a monster evolve? Mobile security providers (MSP) need to redefine their product in such a way that allows banks to offer their mobile security solutions (for a residual fee) so that the gateway to the transaction (and all other mobile transactions) is secured. Banks as the centerpiece of this equation will revenue share on the monthly mobile security fee that is to be built in which thus creates unique revenue streams for both the bank and the MSP. The idea is to secure the handset level so that novelties such as mobile banking can be done in confidence. In essence mobile security stands as a viable gateway to overcoming the adoption hurdles of cellular-based innovations such as mobile banking. This creates a win-win dynamic where in the customer, banks, and MSP’s are all being satisfied.
Let’s face it, everyone understands and accepts paying a little extra for security. But when you try to confront that torrid beast of free banking by making customers pay to use mobile banking you will fail every single time. The banks need MSP’s as much as the MSP’s need the banks. Introducing mobile security products into the mobile banking sector is a strategic solution to managing the debt (or better yet… investment) that was created in the infrastructure build-out. We are becoming a world hooked on mobility, so the reality is that mobile banking is here to stay. Slow uptake of mobile banking should remain of little concern with such a plausible conduit as mobile security to lead the way. The freedom to do your banking without being wired to your computer is a beautiful thing; it is just that the customers need to feel the security of the transaction domain first.
Your mobile security guru,
Eric Everson – Founder, MyMobiSafe.com
Article in Reference: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/gain-insight-how-innovations-unsecured/story.aspx?guid=%7B55BC27C3-0132-49AC-865D-78BB59234C8F%7D&dist=hppr
