National Campaign Warns of Smartphone Scams

We’ve been talking about it for months but now a national computer security campaign is urging smartphone users to do more to protect themselves from unwittingly downloading malware applications.

A joint initiative between the government, police and industry, called Get Safe Online, said it was concerned that users of smartphones, such as Android devices, were not taking steps to protect their devices.

Their claim; is that that there has been an increase in smartphone malware as the market has grown.  As predicted, criminals are typically creating Trojan copies of reputable apps and tricking users into installing them. Once on the phone, the app can secretly generate cash for criminals through premium rate text messages.

If your smartphone is not armed with protection, then please take advantage of our FREE smartphone security trial!  Click here to find out more.

MP’s Want Mobile Operators to Get on with It

A committee of UK MPs is urging mobile operators to stop fighting over how to share out the airwaves that will deliver next-generation services and get on with it.

The switch-over to digital TV has been key to providing the much-needed bandwidth for data services following the exponential rise of smartphones.  The result freed up a spectrum of airwaves that are now being fought over by the top mobile operators. 

The spectrum being auctioned is particularly valuable because it is low frequency and therefore covers greater distances. Regulator Ofcom hopes to hold the sale mid-2012, meaning that the UK is on track to be one of the last European countries to hold its 4G auction.  

Amidst a complex list of complaints, Ofcom has made clear that it wants Three to remain as a competitor in the UK mobile landscape because it has ensured that consumers get innovative services and low prices.  Therefore, in its proposals for the spectrum auctions the watchdog set mechanisms to ensure that Three got a portion of the 4G spectrum at a minimum price.  This angered O2 and Vodafone who threatened legal action over the floors, claiming they amounted to state-aid for Three.

Three, Vodafone, O2 and Everything, Everywhere are all planning to meet with Ofcom and the Government during the second consultation period in December to try and decide how the auction should work.  

Apple Blames Bugs for Battery Problems

Apple has finally made a statement that admits to "a few bugs" in its latest mobile operating system iOS 5.

Apple's servers were overwhelmed by demand for iOS 5 when it was released last month, but ever since its release, there have been thousands of complaints about poor battery life posted on Apple's forums.  In some cases, people claimed that their phone battery was draining by up to 15% every hour, even when the handset was not being used.

Initially Apple would not comment on the matter but have now issued a statement: "A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices," it said.

"We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks," it added.

It seems that Apple is certainly starting to feel the pressure from competitor challenges on the global stage, with vendors using Google’s Android Operating System turning up the heat. 

Analyst firm Canalys revealed that HTC has become the number one vendor in the US, overtaking Samsung, and pushing Apple into third place.

Is Apple’s perceived market dominance over?

Do You know that a smartphone can be infected by viruses in the same way as a PC? Are you protected?  Get FREE Smartphone Security trial here.

Nokia to be Reborn with Windows Phone

Nokia have shown faith in the future of Windows Phone and launched two new smartphones based on Microsoft's new operating system.

The Lumia 800 and the Lumia 710 mark the beginning of Nokia's fight back against Apple's iPhone and rivals using Google's Android software.  Until recently, Nokia, were the world's largest maker of smartphones.  All future Nokia smartphones will be built on the Windows Phone 7.5 operating system, otherwise known as Mango. 

New boss, Stephen Elop, believes that the launch of the new range, that includes four new basic phones, will mark the "rebirth" of Nokia.

In an unusual move for the company, it will start shipping the Lumia 800 range almost immediately and hit the shops in France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain and the Netherlands in November.

No Link between Cancer and Mobile Phones According to New Study

The health risks associated with mobile phone use have been much debated over the last 20years, but the latest study suggests that there is no link between mobile phones and brain cancer. 

The study led by the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Denmark looked at more than 350,000 people with mobile phones over an 18-year period.  The researchers concluded that users were at no greater risk than anyone else of developing brain cancer. The findings, published on the British Medical Journal website, come after a series of studies have come to similar conclusions.

However, there has also been some research casting doubt on mobile phone safety, prompting the World Health Organization to warn that they could still be carcinogenic. 

As the debate rages on, have the questions over mobile phone safety ever curbed your personal usage?  Do you take precautions against potential over use?

Apple iOS 5 Downloading Problems

For die-hard Apple fans, the arrival of the new iOS 5 Apple Operating system has been long awaited, but problems downloading the software are not quite as welcome. 

The free software update, which promises 200 new features, has been so popular that Apple's servers appear to have struggled to keep up with demand.  Many users complained on Apple forums that the download was taking time, with some having to retry many times.  Others blame software bugs for "bricking" phones.

Technology consultant Jay Freeman said the problem was down to over-demand. But others thought the problems could be more serious.  One member of the public claimed that he experienced a hardware fault on his iPhone as a result of the download.  Stating that “if [he] had not updated the phone, it would be in perfect working order today".

Compensation Discussed for Blackberry Users

Consumer talk has turned to compensation following the Global Blackberry Blackout, but Research In Motion (RIM) have yet to comment on the speculation.

Blackberry's founder Mike Lazaridis has said services are "fully restored" following a three-day global blackout, but with millions of users affected and many turning to twitter to express their anger, is their any way back?

This is the largest crash the firm has ever experienced. Prior to the 2011 problems, the last significant blackout was in 2009.  With no answers as to why the switch failed or why the back up failed to kick in, the next priority is a "root cause analysis" of why there was a core switch failure within RIM's infrastructure.  Although, the server problems are believed to have originated at RIM's UK data centre in Slough.

When questioned on compensation for consumers following three days of disruption, Research In Motion declined to comment.  However, some operators, such as Telefonica owner of the UK's O2, are mulling whether to provide compensation for affected users.

Unsurprisingly, many corporate clients have switched to Apple iPhone after they made a concerted effort to improve its support for secure business email systems. News that couldn’t come at a worst time for RIM, who have been losing market share to Apple over the last few months.  That said; Apple’s newly-released operating system, iOS 5, has been causing problems for some users trying to download it this week!

So after a week of problems for smartphone users worldwide, it seems that all new technology comes with niggles, and unforeseen difficulties – we can either embrace new technology and understand this or stick with the tried and tested “brick” of a model that simply does the basics! 

Problems will always occur, but the test of the supplier is how they recover from them.  For the sake of competition, let’s hope RIM bounces back!

Find out more about Smartphone Security 

Intel Join Android in the Smartphone Race

The world's biggest chipmaker in the computer and server market has finally joined the smartphone race!

That’s right, Intel, who has so far played second fiddle to Cambridge-based designer ARM Holdings in the market for low power consumption chips, has teamed up with Android, the world's leading operating system for smartphones.

Google have been pushing their Android operating system, tying up with manufacturers, and with the ever increasing demand for mobile phone and tablet computers it will be interesting to see what comes of this new collaboration. 

The Oak Trail processor range is Intel’s answer to ARM's designs, but has only just seen the light of day.  The hope is that the new partnership will help Intel increase its foothold in the Android market.

Don’t forget, a smartphone can be infected by viruses in the same way as a PC? Make sure that you are protected, find out more, here.

The Revolution of Mobile Broadband Rumbles On

Nearly half of the countries internet users are now accessing the web via mobile connections according the Office for National Statistics.

In 2010 only 31% of people surveyed were using their mobile devices to access the internet, that figure is now up to 45%.  The most significant increase affected 16 to 24-year-olds who use mobiles. 

The popularity of 3G broadband did not necessarily mean that more people were going online overall.  Most interestingly, the ONS survey also found a dramatic rise in the use of wifi hotspots - a seven-fold increase since 2011 - suggesting that the rise of 3G has done little to slow demand for free and paid-for wireless access.

Did you know - A smartphone can be infected by viruses in the same way as a PC?  Protect yourself for FREE!

Does Apple Have Control Issues?

The Financial Times is the latest Corporation to challenge the might of Apple. Following months of negotiations, they have resorted to withdrawing their app for iPhones and iPads.

The two companies have faced a dispute over the control of customer data.  Apple insisted sales must take place via its App Store, giving it ownership of the data and a 30% cut of revenues.  The Financial Times were not comfortable with that, and having failed to end the impasse with Apple, the newspaper is now cancelling its App Store app altogether and encouraging Apple customers to switch to the web app.  The Newspaper itself will still be accessible through Apple devices via a browser-based web app.

Other firms are also gravitating towards browser-based applications as a way of by-passing Apple's sales platform.  For example, Amazon launched a web app for its Kindle eBook reader earlier this month that was specifically tailored for iPad users.

The newspaper expects to launch the Android version of the web app in the next two months.

Don’t forget, smartphones are highly susceptible to criminal attack because of their data connections and the fact, that we are increasingly using these devices for storing personal and commercial data!  Protect yourself for FREE.

HTC v Apple, The Battle Continues

Rumbling on in a similar fashion to the Fabregas football transfer, is the HTC v’s Apple patent row.  The latest chapter in this saga see’s HTC turning up the heat.

Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has now filed a lawsuit in the US against Apple, accusing its American rival of infringing its patents.  They are going as far as trying to stop US imports of iPhones, iPads, iPods and Mac computers. 

In July, HTC was found to infringe two iPhone patents in a case brought by Apple at the US International Trade Commission (ITC).  However HTC, which is one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone makers, has vowed to appeal against the ruling, which threatens its business model of designing products around the Android operating system.

It is widely thought that Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility (MMI) may offer a greater degree of protection to Android handset makers.

Have you considered your Smartphone Security yet?

Apple Becomes 'Star Performer'

Apple have overtaken Nokia and Samsung in becoming the biggest Smartphone Vendor worldwide. 

The mobile phone makers shipped 361 million handsets in the second quarter of this year, up 13% on the same period in 2010, according to a new report; Smartphone volumes reached 110 million units.

Nokia continues to be the biggest maker of all types of handsets, but their unexciting touch phone portfolio is weighing down the mobile giant’s market share.  The number two handset maker, Samsung, is certainly breathing down their neck shipping 74 million units and their market share rising to just above 20%.  By comparison, Nokia’s market share dropped to 25%, it’s lowest since 1999.

If you use a smartphone, please consider the fact it requires anti-virus, and anti-spam software just as your PC does.  Bundle that with anti-theft protection, and you have an Adodo Smartphone Solution.

Hackers Hit Italian Soil

Data hacks so far this year have been rife, and it seems that hackers are not tiring, as attention moves towards Italian shores. 

Hackers have started to release the 8Gbs worth of secret files stolen from an Italian cybercrime unit.  The documents were allegedly taken from the network of the Italian CNAIPIC which oversees the country's critical IT infrastructure.  The attack is thought to be in retaliation for arrests of Italian members of Anonymous.

Among the documents taken, there is information about a number of Government offices from Australia and the US.  Preview images also shared by Anonymous reveal the management structure of CNAIPIC, pictures of staff, and a long list of all the documents that have been taken.  CNAIPIC are yet to comment on the matter.

The importance of rigid data security is becoming a pressing issue for all sorts of business, and rightly so.  If you have any questions regarding your data network, contact the experts for a free evaluation.

If you use your smartphone in the same way that you use your laptop or PC, ensure that you have sufficient security on it.  A common misconception is that it comes with the phone.  This is not the case.  Take advantage of our free trial to see what your missing.

Did You Know?

Did you know a mobile phone is stolen every 12 seconds in the UK? 

• Adodo can provide you with a cutting edge antitheft solution that enables you to lock a smartphone and wipe the data remotely via SMS, to ensure highest level of protection and security.
• The software is simple and effective, so that even those with little technical knowledge can activate the software if a device has been stolen.
• The software can notify the owner when a SIM is changed and provide the current location of the device if it's GPS is enabled, thus providing a means to possibly recover the smartphone.

Find out more, call us 0115 9701471

Did You Know?

A smartphone can be infected by viruses in the same way as a PC?

• Adodo can provide full protection against viruses, trojans, spyware, or other malware.  With our chosen software we can provide continuous protection without interfering with normal use. 
• The software will instantly detect any new malware as soon as it appears on the handset and makes sure it cannot do any damage. 
• The software provides a simple way to manually scan the smartphone and reminds you to scan newly inserted memory cards giving confidence in the safety of the data on your smartphone.

We are proud to offer a state of the art anti virus solution which is fast, effective, thorough and battery friendly.

Find out more, call us 0115 9701471

 

Cheaper to Roam in the EU

The European Commission has announced that it wants to cut “roaming” costs on mobile phones, and has introduced new rules aimed at reducing pricing in and around Europe. 

There is currently a large price gap between using your phone at home and when you are abroad, with extensive “roaming” charges being enforced when calls are made or received, text messages sent or data downloaded. 

Current EU roaming price caps will expire at the end of June 2012. The authorities fear that without putting more plans in place, prices could pick up to pre-2007 levels.  However, the new, lower price caps would not come into force until July 2014, and would be introduced in stages.

The hope is that by then, mobile phone customers will be able to separate their national and overseas contracts and shop around. Keeping the same phone number, you will potentially be able to switch to a separate operator in another country, and get a cheaper deal for surfing the web.

Did You Know?

Around 80% of European smartphone users have been hit by spam?

• Adodo’s Anti-Spam recommended software gives you complete control over which messages are accepted or blocked by providing an easy to use application that will help minimise the spam received.
• By using the efficient user interface, you can easily select the best mode to suit your lifestyle.
• A simple Blacklist can be used to stop annoying messages from problem senders, or use the Whitelist to ensure only messages from approved senders are received, including contacts in your address book.
• Alternatively, you can use both lists together to help easily manage the problem senders and important contacts by simply adding each senders address to the appropriate list as new messages arrive.

Use the AntiSpam software, together with the AntiTheft and AntiVirus software to provide a powerful defence against threats to smartphones, ensuring protection and peace of mind. 

Find out more, call us 0115 9701471

Smartphone Users Ignore Security

New research compiled in May 2011, following interviews with 1,000 UK smartphone owners, showed that users hold mobile network operators responsible for a variety of security issues including unexpected items on their bill, SMS test Phishing, mobile spam, malware and viruses and rogue applications.

The research, by AdaptiveMobile, suggests that users are more concerned about the data and information stored on their phone and the possibility of identity theft, than they are about the handset itself.  Despite their fears they are also simultaneously leaving themselves exposed to mobile security risks.  For example, 50% of respondents would be prepared to open an SMS text message from someone they did not know, 36% would open an email from someone they don’t know and 32% are saving log-in information such as passwords on their device. 

A recent survey by One Poll on behalf of internet security firm, BullGuard, showed that 53% of users claimed that they are unaware of security software for smartphones, which the firm stated showed a lack of insight into the rising number of malicious threats affecting mobile phones.

Well we are here to tell you there is, and that we will happily offer you a free 30day trial to test it.  Our smartphone security option provides an all-in-one solution to protect your smartphone from Spam, Virus and Theft.  Contact us for more information 0115 970 1471 or solutions@adodo.co.uk

Did You Know?

Despite the growing threats of mobile viruses, spam and smartphone theft around 86% of mobile phone users do not have any security software installed?

• Adodo can provide full protection against viruses, trojans, spyware, or other malware.  With our chosen software we can provide continuous protection without interfering with normal use. 
• Adodo’s Anti-Spam recommended software gives you complete control over which messages are accepted or blocked by providing an easy to use application that will help minimise the spam received.
• Adodo can provide you with a cutting edge antitheft solution that enables you to lock a smartphone and wipe the data remotely via SMS, to ensure highest level of protection and security.

Find out more, call us 0115 9701471

Did You Know?

Did you know a mobile phone is stolen every 12 seconds in the UK? 

• Adodo can provide you with a cutting edge antitheft solution that enables you to lock a smartphone and wipe the data remotely via SMS, to ensure highest level of protection and security.
• The software is simple and effective, so that even those with little technical knowledge can activate the software if a device has been stolen.
• The software can notify the owner when a SIM is changed and provide the current location of the device if it's GPS is enabled, thus providing a means to possibly recover the smartphone.

Find out more, call us 0115 9701471