Mobile Computing and Mobile Computing Security - Report Example

Mobile Computing and Mobile Computing Security Introduction to Mobile Computing Mobile computing involves the use of computing and communications devices to transfer data and other forms of communications even without a direct physical link between the source and recipient device (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). It is also refers to use the use of compact, portable computing devices such as laptops, pocket computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) and other similar devices that use wireless technology ("Mobile computing", 2006). Mobile computing has it's roots on radio communications in the 1950's and 60's where the use of automobiles became widespread and a need for mobile communication devices such as car radios and "walkie-talkie" radios rose to another level Communication companies like Motorola lead the way for the use of mobile communication devices. Today, a whole variety of 'mobile computing platforms' such as in-dash VGA displays and automobile computers which feature a variety of applications and functions such as global positioning systems (GPS) and radar detection systems are available for the mass market ("Mobile computing", 2006). Wireless LAN and Wireless Access Points Some mobile computing devices use WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) as their means to communicate and acquire data. A WLAN is a LAN (Local Area Network) connected through radio or other wireless means. One of the advantages of using a WLAN is the flexibility it offers to overcome restrictions of physically connected networks to space restrictions. It is easy, wire-free and simple to use. WLAN allows data access without having to "jack-in" or plug to a wired network (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transmits and receives data through fixed line network called access points. An area called a "hotspot" results from the area covered by each of the access points. Each access point serves numerous subscribers and they alter their 'access points' as they transfer from one point to another. As the number of access points in a WLAN increases, the size of the network also increases (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Satellite Networks This type of network uses communications satellites acting as central points for transferring data. The subscriber uses a 'satellite dish antenna and a transceiver to transmit and receive data'. This network is usually a better alternative for rural areas where 'broadband, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable television' systems are not accessible (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Cellular Networks The advent of mobile phones or cellular phones ushered in the creation of cellular networks. A cellular network operates by serving different frequencies or bands to handle calls and other services such as short message service (SMS). A cell site is commonly composed of 3 basic parts: a control unit, a receiver and a transmitter connected to a Mobile Telecommunications Center that is also interconnected with the public telephone systems (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Ad-hoc and Sensor Networks An ad-hoc network results from the creation of several small nodes or "motes", tiny powered self-contained computers that are linked through radio around a small area. Motes are capable of communicating and exchanging data with each other over short distances and are usually formed temporarily. Ad hoc networks are common and have several practical military applications (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Mobile Devices Mobile devices could include the following: Laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and handheld PCs, Pagers and cellular phones and task devices, such as bar code scanners. Laptops, PDAs and portable handheld PCs are computing devices that can run a number of programs and applications for every sort of business, enterprise and more recently for the modern home. Laptops are basically portable versions of personal computers (PCs) which equal or even rival the computing power of modern desktop units. They are similarly supported by their manufacturers in the same way as desktop units. PDA's and pocket PCs are even more compact versions of desktop PCs. They are rapidly evolving but they are not as widely supported as desktops and laptops. Both PDA's and pocket PCs are so compact and portable that a number of security issues rise from owning them. Pagers and cellular phones are mobile versions of telephone units just like desktops are to laptops. They provide a variety of applications such a voice calls and SMS and in case of unfortunate circumstances several security measures are provided by their network operators. Task devices are specialized devices such as parcel tracking devices used by FedEX and USPS and barcode readers used in supermarkets. These devices have very specific functions and are not much given significance in computing (Shriraghavan et al, 2003). Introduction to mobile computing security Security is one of the greatest problems related to mobile computing. Free access to data and the ability to access it from anywhere, anytime entails accessibility and security problems, for example, if a hacker knows the name of the site or 'IP address, then the company's system could also be access by that person and thus can be altered or worse, hacked'. This is extremely important as some of today's companies depend so much on the Internet. However, there is still the issue of denying access for undesired loggers of secured content. The best way to prevent unauthorized access is to use extensive error handling capabilities and security measures built into company web sites ("Definition of mobile computing", n.d.). Also the use of data authentication and encryption is very important for all mobile communication devices operating today. Security must also be enforced in data sharing. Data sharing among users must be monitored and at times restricted in order to prevent several security breaches. A certain amount of distrust must be applied whenever data sharing is done (UCLA, n.d.). Computers are indeed becoming more portable and convenient. Sad to say, due to their very own portability, they are prone to theft. Compromise is lessened when a certain level of distrust is applied by the host to the client and vice versa. Hosts also must carefully monitor and modify data whenever permitted and possible to enforce safety during data sharing (UCLA, n.d.). Mobile computing security The simplest technique in preventing unpleasant situations like theft and lost is the presence of mind of the user, although this kind of enforcement may inhibit user productivity which the users may not appreciate or follow. When control measures fail to protect data in the event that the device is stolen, the simplest solution is to prevent intensive and unauthorized data sharing. This may seem harsh and may also be hard to enforce but can be immensely effective once enforced. In term of other popular mobile communication devices, for mobile phones alarms and other security systems are applied by their respective service providers, but the same level of security cannot be said for other communication devices such as laptops and PDA's . (Sadlier, 2003). Hacking and cracking is difficult to arrest from inside and out. Firewalls, security devices and applications that restrict and sieve data entering and going out from the system are an effective measure to prevent or lessen the impact of hacking and cracking. Several forms of firewalls include usernames, passwords, codes and other such means to prevent unauthorized access. Probably the most common form of firewall is the combined use of user names and passwords. This kind of firewall can be both the hardest and easiest security method to crack and often companies allow users to choose their own user names and/or passwords or assign ones which are easy to remember. It is common for an employee to have a user name and/or password that is their own first name, last name, social security number, date of birth, or other vital information. Workstation authentication can also be enforced as another means of security. Login information is asked by both methods and sometimes, they are used in conjunction. Furthermore the passing and sharing of very vital information such as social security or credit cards numbers are prone to hacking and other form of attack. Encryption seems to be the best way of preventing the unauthorized access to these kinds of vital information. Encryption is done by coding the vital information into an unreadable code so that even if the information is accessed, it is encrypted in a way only the system can decode ("Definition of mobile computing", n.d.). Conclusion Today's fast paced world requires intense security measures. Hackers are the primary reasons why some people are afraid to divulge information in the internet. Most cases of internet theft and hacking occurs within and outside the company's computer system. Unscrupulous individuals have several methods in accessing company databases and as such, an effective security measure should be imposed in and out of a company. With access like this they can forge information, sell data, upload computer viruses, corrupt data, steal credit numbers, harass employees, and do other unruly acts of computer related crimes ("Definition of mobile computing", n.d.). Data, as with any other form of property must be properly cared of and protected. Nowadays not having an effective security system and enforcement means a lack of responsibility in the part of a company's structure and therefore should be seriously considered. Bibliography Arbaugh, Willian A.(2003). Wireless Security is Different. Computer 36.8: 99-101. "Definition of Mobile Computing." (n.d.). Wings.buffalo.edu. Available from: [Accessed 8 March 2006]. Kong, Jiejun, Petros Zerfos, Haiyun Luo, Songwu Lu, and Lixia Zhang.(2001). Providing Robust and Ubiquitous Security Support for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks. IEEE Nineth International Conference on Network Protocols (ICNP'01), 251-260. Miller, Sandra K.(2001). Facing the Challenge of Wireless Security. Ed. 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