Jailbreak apps could make Smartphones a bigger risk

Corporate IT folks already nervous about Smartphone security may have more to worry about than executives failing to use passwords. Jailbreak applications – tools for unlocking phones so any application can be installed – are becoming more popular and easy to use. There are already a number available for Apple’s iPhone and now F-Secure reports a Spanish coder has created a simple app for unlocking the Symbian 60 version 3 operating that is popular with Nokia. The problem is two-fold: First, end users could unlock the phone to install whatever applications they want without regard to the source, leading to spyware or other malicious code being downloaded. Second, virus writers could exploit this to enhance mobile viruses, which to date have been relatively harmless. A “jailed” phone is a good thing since applications that can be installed are limited to a carrier-approved list. This ensures that the code should be relatively safe. But, as F-Secure points out, enthusiasts want more access and flexibility for installing apps on their smartphones, leading to the jailbreak tools. As smartphones proliferate, jailbreak apps will become more popular, as will “free” downloads for phones. Look what happens on corporate machines today – all kinds of unapproved software gets installed. Everything from games to social networking applications are installed on daily basis, most of which are probably not approved by IT. The same security headache could be coming to a smartphone near you sooner rather than later. -Jason Meserve