The Federal Trade Commission plans to host a public forum meeting on June 4, 2013. The hot topic of this open discussion will be issues surrounding mobile and tablet security threats. Chances are, this event will include talks about current as well as future problems related to mobile web browsing and computing.
The Forum’s Purpose
Since the trend of mobile technology is moving at such a fast pace, potential threats to users is also greater. More potential threats attacking mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets are making the use of these devices more dangerous.
In order to make sure mobile computing and technology remains useful to users, an organized forum has been coordinated. This event will bring together anyone involved in the technology industry, including academic leaders and industry researchers. Anyone who represents manufacturers as well as citizens is also welcome.
Points that will be addressed in the FTC open forum:
- Focus on the existing security of current and developing technologies
- Tune in on the roles of persons involved in the “mobile ecosystem”
- Gather together as much information as possible about mobile security
- Launch new tests and efforts toward enhanced security for phones and tablets
- Identify potential security challenges as new technology is produced
- Look out for possible new security threat trends
- Outlining of precautions for individuals as well as businesses
- Increased warnings to help users of smartphones and tablets beware
More specifically, current Android threats include the attachment of Trojan viruses on downloadable apps and fake virus scanners. Just about any other type of threat that might affect a Windows or Mac PC also are being used now on Android. However, iOS users (i.e. people who own iPhones or iPads) are not immune from these kinds of malicious infections.
One huge area of concern hits gamers. It can be so easy to download an app that is disguised as a free game but then loads all kinds of malware onto a smartphone or tablet. Even some of the more traditional, basic, non-Android or non-iOS devices could even be affected.
FTC Forum Preparation and Panel Selection
All topics for discussion would have already been submitted by March 28th, 2012. It is from these submissions that an entire agenda concerning the important matters will be formulated.
It is also from these entries explaining the issues at hand from which forum panelists will be selected. Other considerations for panel representation include background, expertise and points of views of form panel representative applicants.
Some Statistics That Influenced This FTC Forum
It may not necessarily be the 163% increase in Android threats since 2012 that lead to the scheduling of this FTC forum. It also might not just be the fact that 75% of all virus cases are profit-motivated, or not just because increases in the number of ways people connect to the Internet.
However, all of these problems together more likely than not does play a huge part in the decision to call this meeting. It is a consensus that something really has to be done-and done now-concerning mobile security threats.
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Guest Author: Peter Dunbar is a technology junky and the owner of Boost Software. He enjoys blogging about topics in technology and occasionally guest posts on popular blogs about some of the most recent tech gadgets, screen freezes, and other slow computer issues.