As Smartphone Technology Grows, So Do The Risks

Brad Seal N-C-C News

Febuary 2008- If you got a new smartphone such as a Blackberry or Iphone over the holidays, be cautious about what you do with it. As smartphones grow more powerful, more information can be stored on them. "There definetely is a trend towards making these devices provide the same kinds of services as notebook computers in a much smaller form." says Dave Molta, Director of Information Technology at Syracuse University.

Smartphones, however, are much easier to misplace than notebook computers. In fact, over half a million smartphones were lost in airports and taxi cabs alone last year. Couple that with the claim by various tech websites that up to 90% of smartphones can be invaded by hackers, and loss of indentity and information becomes a real possiblity.

Even today business owners aren't aware of just what kind of information is stored in employee smartphones. "It's a lack of perceived risk. Corporations don't understand what their smartphone users are doing, what they're getting access to." says Syracuse University Technology Analyst Sean Ginevan.

There is security for smartphones to guard against information loss. One of the most effective security measures is the password lock that is available on nearly every smartphone available. Most smartphone users shun this security for the sake of convenience. "You want to be able to pull your phone out, turn it on, and start making phone calls. You don't want to be hunting around, trying to enter a password before you can use your phone." says Molta.

Users who value convenience over security may find themselves losing more than they bargained for if they ever misplace their smartphone.