Android data security may move to center stage
Internet security is a major concern for every business that utilizes the internet. In other words, it is important for almost every business today.
Internet security is a major concern for every business that utilizes the internet. In other words, it is important for almost every business today.
As a growing number of companies deploy smartphones and tablet devices, mobile data protection is becoming a key component of data security measures.
According to a recent study published by research firm Canalys, Google's Android was the most popular smartphone operating system in the first quarter of 2011. Android increased its market share to approximately 35 percent, with 35.7 million units shipped during the quarter.
According to Canalys, this is the second consecutive quarter in which Android has led the field.
The increasing popularity - and functionality - of Android may lead to a greater number of vulnerabilities and potential data protection risks for companies using the devices.
Finding solutions for these data security issues may become a central focus for many businesses, as mobile devices are proving useful in new areas seemingly every day.
As many companies adopt cloud-based applications and data storage, flexible access is helping employees achieve levels of productivity that previously were unimaginable. Smartphones, in particular, enable workers to access their data and applications from any location.
The study indicated that smartphone shipments grew by approximately 83 percent during the quarter. Nearly 101 million units were shipped worldwide.
The advent of 4G networks is giving smarphones even greater speed and functionality, generating substantial attention from enterprise users accordingly. According to Canalys, this was the first full quarter in which LTE smartphones were available. Approximately 600,000 units were sold during the quarter.
"We are starting to see some significant benefits from marketing high-speed networks to consumers in the U.S., as end users become more familiar with the performance and technical aspects of their smartphones," said Canalys vice president and principal analyst Chris Jones.
Smartphone malware attacks are growing together with the popularity of the devices. According to an AdaptiveMobile report, smartphone malware increased by one-third in 2010.