ILI Speaker Discusses Mobile Device Vulnerabilities and Protection

 

On Monday, April 23, the Innovation and Leadership Institute’s Speaker Series welcomed Dan Ford ’10, to discuss the vulnerabilities and threats that exist for Android, iOS and Blackberry mobile devices.

 

Ford is the chief security officer at Fixmo, “The Mobile Risk Management Company.”  He earned his master’s in information assurance from Capitol College and is currently in progress toward his DSc in information assurance at Capitol.

 

Some of the topics Ford addressed during his lecture included the information security maturity model and how it applies to mobile device security, mobile risk factors and considerations, and the need for cybersecurity professionals to constantly seek professional growth.

 

According to Ford, many smart phone users are not fully prepared for attacks on their devices, leaving themselves or their organization susceptible to information theft. Large companies are most at risk, and many experience attacks regularly.

 

“There are two types of companies,” Ford said. “Those that know they’ve been hacked and those that don’t.”

 

Ford also mentioned how cyber related companies are not always forthcoming in immediately informing consumers about the risks they are facing. Consumers’ information can be left in a vulnerable state for months at a time, allowing experienced hackers more than enough time to infiltrate mobile devices.

 

As Ford puts it, “Windows of exposure [to cyber threats] can sometimes last up to three months.”

 

Trust me, if I have three months to work, I’ll own everything on your device,” Ford said.

 

While Ford uses his information assurance experience and knowledge to help defend against hackers, the point was made that malicious entities can gain access to the devices and information they want.

 

According to Ford, approximately one in 20 smartphones will be compromised this year.

The lecture ended with Ford detailing the work done at Fixmo and the importance of protecting yourself against mobile threats.

 

The Innovation and Leadership Institute welcomes distinguished speakers and panelists to share insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and advances in a multitude of science-related disciplines. Speakers engage Capitol students by presenting unique topics and encouraging the audience to participate and ask questions.