As mobile bandwidth increases and smartphones become ever more integral to daily life, securing the mobile devices that power our society has taken on a new urgency. In the past five years, a number of dominant mobile operating systems have emerged, each of which has a unique portfolio of security features. The most secure phones are not necessarily the most popular or best-reviewed. Read on to learn about the best new security features on each platform and find out which devices come out on top!
Key New Smartphone Security Features
On-Device Encryption
This simple feature masks the voice, text and multimedia data transmitted to and from the phone, making it difficult or impossible for data thieves to listen in on conversations or steal information when the device is plugged into another network.VPN Support
Like personal computers and laptops, new mobile phones generally use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, to create a "bubble" of security around the device. Users typically must "authenticate" to use a VPN, but most mobile VPNs simply use a phone's unique SIM card to verify its identity. This is not a foolproof security feature, but it does greatly increase the safety of smartphone-to-smartphone transmissions.Digital Signatures
Third-party software, either downloaded from the cloud or physically installed, can contain undetected malware with the potential to create havoc on your smartphone. Some phones prohibit the installation of such software without a "digital signature" in which the program's creator attests to the integrity of its content and provides personal information that allows the authorities to trace the program in case it contains malware. Which Phones Stack Up? There are five major mobile operating systems--Windows Mobile, Apple OS, Blackberry OS, Symbian and Android--as well as a few high-end specialty platforms. Each has its own set of security advantages and disadvantages, but some clearly come out on top.Windows Mobile
With on-device encryption, an exclusive VPN and the ability to recognize and refuse questionable software downloads and installations, Windows Mobile offers commercial end-users solid security.Blackberry OS
With on-device encryption and an added layer of message encryption for communications with Blackberry's corporate network, this device is perfect for business end-users. Its lack of a VPN is a drawback, however.Apple OS
For all the iPhone's computing power and sex appeal, the Apple mobile OS actually performs pretty poorly in security comparisons. The OS lacks on-device encryption and has a relatively weak VPN. Its security system also can't be updated remotely, meaning that the device can quickly become vulnerable to attack from new malware.Android
The major difference between Android and other operating sytems is the fact that it requires, rather than recommends, users to digitally sign their applications and and asks for permission before making changes to sensitive programs. This lets you keep track of what's on your device and reduces digital clutter even as your device remains secure.So who wins the cellphone security battle? Among mainstream operating systems, Android phones come out on top, although Blackberry is a close second.
Modern life can push the limits of your phone's security system, so it's important to choose a device that holds up to ever-evolving mobile threats. No matter what brand of phone you use, be sure to determine how it protects you from the spyware, viruses and worms that threaten to undo the mobile revolution.
Michael Muhammad is a private investigator and freelance blogger for reversephonelookup.org - one of his favorite tools for finding out what he needs to know in the information
