In CISCO's annual security report for 2010, released early last week, it was revealed that cyber criminals have begun to switch from PC operating systems, to newer Information Technologies, such as smartphones, and mobile platforms. What cyber criminals are finding now, is that since the newer technology is much less guarded than pc operating systems it is much easier to go after these newer systems and transmit virus or spam programs that seek to mine personal data. This may soon cause ethical dilemas for companies in the information technology market, but it also may provide an opportunity as well.
The reason for this happening now is a combination of things. First off we have the smartphone revolution currently underway, many of these devices were meant to be as simple as possible so that people could access small amounts of data quickly on the go. This has resulted in lower amounts of security systems. Meanwhile, PC operating systems have had 30 years of security buffing on their record and getting stronger every year. Smartphones and mobile operating systems however, have not.
Do companies have a responsibility to keep their consumers safe from cyber criminals? I don't know, I am no lawyer. However, have we not all seen advertisements in the past for PC operating systems, or web browsers claiming to have the best security or virus protection software free? I predict that it is not far off before smart phones and mobile platforms start to advertise the same way if this trend continues.
The companies who make these smartphones and mobile devices need to take responsibility for their product, and make sure that the privacy of their consumers is safe and free from cyber criminals.
ReplyDeleteCyber crime is a particularly interesting topic and very relevant to the IT industry. I think that it might be worthwhile to look into specific litigation to see the effects of cyber crime on the industry. It also might be worthwhile of your group's time to look too see how other companies have handled the issue of cyber crime. In the future please make the link easier to locate (possibly by pasting the URL at the end of the blog post). Additionally, be careful that you stay within your industry. Cisco is definitely part of your industry however smartphones are not. The software that smartphones use however is part of the industry.
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