UPDATED 12:25 EDT / OCTOBER 18 2011

NEWS

Virginia Tech’s Software: No More Data Walking Out of Android’s Door

It seems like the end is near for modern-day mobile cheating in schools. Virginia Tech researchers have developed software that will impose tailor-made policies on Android OS depending on what room you are in. this feature is something that healthcare, military, and the academe could benefit from, in terms of protecting confidential data from intrusions.

Security has long been a hot item in the mobile avenue, especially for one of its most globally embraced members, Android. This inspired Virginia Tech to pursue a study on creating an instrument to secure Android OS stored data. But instead of harmonizing GPS signals which could not accurately function inside a building, experts have made use of another existing feature—NFC or near-field communications wireless signals.

Virginia Tech’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Assistant Professor Jules White explained why the opted for the NFC: “We could theoretically do that all with just Bluetooth. But NFC adds that extra guarantee that you’re actually in the room… If you walk out of the room, or you haven’t hit the NFC key for a certain amount of time, it can clear the data out of memory.”

Perennial mobile security players like Norton and Lookout have taken varied approach to respond to mobile security demands. A number of other developers have released innovative products in the market including Mocana mobile app protection (MAP) that gives enterprises control over industry apps and NoScript security tool.  Now, Virginia Tech joins the party and specifically targeted safeguarding Android smartphones with highly sophisticated technology.

Beefing up the Android OS security arsenals will help the Google brand in their quest to be enterprise-ready. Now could also be a perfect timing to invade the more business-minded space, especially with RIM Blackberry burning out following a four-day outage that left users deprived of email and chatting platform access. Android is also prepping up to hopefully welcome Firefox and Opera updates.

Smartphones and tablets are already extensions of someone’s life. Browsing through these gadgets is comparable to reading the pages of the owner’s personal and professional life. In essence, sensitive information leakage is tantamount to an immeasurable aftermath of a disaster. With Android being a famous, it is also a favourite bull of cyber crminals.


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