Cyber Security at Mobile World Congress

Here is a re-post of the blog I did for the Smart UK site (@smartukproject) in preparation for Mobile World Congress. I’m doing quite a few things out there, but I’m looking forward to this on the Tuesday morning (28th), it is going to be a great event,. There are still places available and I encourage anyone interested in mobile security and fraud related topics to sign-up.


The UK government recently published the Cyber Security Strategy. What implications does this have for the mobile industry and society at large? With the mobile device at the centre of nearly everyone’s life, the integrity of mobility is paramount. The mobile industry has weathered a variety of security incidents over the years but has been relatively successful in comparison to other industries. Can any lessons be learnt from the past successes of mobile that will help for the future? Is the industry living on borrowed time?

This year’s UKTI and ICT KTN Mobile World Congress seminar: Cyber Security in the Mobile World; will look at the vast array of subjects which now come under mobile security – including cyber bullying between children, fraud against telephony systems through to emerging technologies such as machine-to-machine and LTE infrastructure. Crossing all of these varied topics are industry needs such as the lack of security-aware software engineers and the need to prosecute criminals who defraud or attack electronic systems.

While the mobile industry has made great efforts to learn the past mistakes of the PC world in terms of security, the anti-virus industry has reached saturation in its traditional space. Do mobile devices really need anti-virus or can newer operating systems and technologies negate the need for this type of end point security? Can these companies transform their business models to the changing mobile security landscape and continue to provide a useful service to consumers? How can application stores and developer programmes be improved?

We are pleased to have some of the world’s leading mobile security experts speaking at the event next week. Make sure you sign up as soon as possible in order to reserve your place.

David Rogers runs http://blog.mobilephonesecurity.org. He is also advising the UK Department for Business, Innovation & Skills on Cyber Security for mobile.

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