Gartner Research

Mobile Device Security: A Comparison of Platforms

Published: 19 February 2015

ID: G00269531

Analyst(s): Patrick Hevesi, Mario de Boer

Summary

Mobile devices frequently contain or have access to sensitive information and must be protected. This assessment aids security professionals by comparing and analyzing the security controls of the most popular mobile device platforms.

Table Of Contents

Analysis

  • Drivers for Mobile Device Security
  • Risks to Mobile Devices
    • Physical Attacks: Device Loss, Theft and Disposal
    • Logical Attacks Through Network or Other Communication Interfaces
    • Logical Attacks on Device: Rootkits, Malicious Software and Configurations
  • Common Security Functionality in Mobile Platforms
    • Authentication
    • Encryption
    • Device Wipe
    • Isolation
    • OS Updates
    • App Updates
    • App Privileges
    • Secure Key Store
    • Integrity Protection
    • Kernel Security
    • App Vetting
    • App Monitoring and Control
    • Secure Remote Access
    • Secure Browsing
    • Device Firewall
    • Manageability
  • BYOD Fitness
  • Future Considerations
    • Changes to Devices and Controls
    • Increase in Number and Sophistication of Malware and Configuration Attacks
    • Increased Device Support for Multipersona and Data Security

Guidance

  • Understand the Threats
  • Manage Mobile Diversity Depending on Security Features
  • Be Cautious When Investing in Mobile Device Security Apps
  • Ensure That Enterprise Apps Are Secure

The Details

  • Mobile Platform Security Controls
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows
    • BlackBerry
  • Adding Security Through Client Solutions
    • Endpoint Protection Clients
    • Managed Information Containers
    • Device Management Agents
    • Controls and Solution Approaches

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