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Smartphone Data Security Concerns Aided by Anti-theft Database

20.05.13

In an age where smartphone data security issues are a universal topic of discussion, especially when it comes to the BYOD use in the workplace, malware, viruses, and other attacks are considered a reasonably high priority for IT administrators. However, as discussed in a recent article on InformationWeek , a far more pressing concern should be the elimination of security risks caused by lost or stolen cell phones and smartphones. Some US carriers have taken measures to combat this problem, and these include Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These carriers have built a database to keep track of lost or stolen handsets. This will be linked to unique International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI) numbers that are present in all devices. The IMEI is assigned at the point of manufacture and cannot be reproduced using conventional methods.

Users who have lost their smartphone can call their provider and have their IMEI number recorded in the database. This will render the unit useless to the '"new owner" as network access will be prevented based solely on the IMEI query instigated on connection to the mobile carrier. While this is undoubtedly of benefit to single users, the benefits to midsize companies are negligible, since this database does not resolve issues relating to connection to company networks, malware, viruses, and all the usual culprits that compromise smartphone data security .

Source: Midsize Insider