Gartner Research

Mobile OSs and Device Security: A Comparison of Platforms

Published: 06 May 2019

ID: G00376865

Analyst(s): Patrick Hevesi

Summary

Mobile devices frequently contain or have access to sensitive information and must be protected. This assessment aids security and risk management technical professionals through analysis of and recommendations for the posture and security controls of popular mobile device operating systems.

Table Of Contents

Comparison

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
    • External Interface Attacks
    • Insider Use and Data Leakage
    • Logical Attacks on Devices: Rootkits, Malicious Software and Configurations
  • Common Security Functionality in Mobile Platforms
    • Core OS Security Features
    • Corporate-Managed Security Features
  • 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

  • Gartner Welcomes Your Feedback
  • Identify the Threats for Your Organization
  • Set Baselines of Mobile OS Versions and Hardware
  • Ensure That Enterprise Apps Are Secure
  • Evaluate Mobile Threat Defense Products

The Details

  • Mobile Platform Security Controls
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows

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