iPhone security flows

Certainly, the world’s Tech event last week, was Apple’s unveiling on Thursday in Cupertino, California of an iPhone software development kit (SDK) ; and its integration with Microsoft’s (NSDQ:MSFT) Exchange email platform. Both, the SDK and Exchange integration will be available in June as a free update to iPhone users as iPhone 2.0 software, which is now in beta testing.

With iPhone’s technology now public information, the widely-used consumer-centric device is ready to crack into the enterprise. But what about the possible security implication aspect?

iPhone 2.0 software will feature expanded VPN compatibility, including IPsec VPN from Cisco Systems (NSDQ:CSCO); two factor authentication and the ability for administrators to wipe an iPhone clean of data to keep corporate information secured. However, some argue that there is no mention of the software including encryption tools or other security mechanisms.

I, by no means am an expert in the field however, as far as the encryption part goes: I would add that the encryption aspect should be addressed in a definite way at this point. But, considering the iPhone has a very powerful mobile operating system, it certainly wouldn’t be difficult to introduce encryption in a reasonable time, or just implement their current FileVault encryption. (just a thought)

Also, the subject of : what happens when you lose a smartphone? has come up in the blogshpere……b4 answering so I don’t forget..: you have to have a Mac to be able to use the SDK, it won’t support Windows.
- you can remotely lock and wipe a smartphone if it is lost or at security risk. If activesync is running on the server, you can do the same. It is way easier imo with BES, but activesync can do it too.

Still though, some analysts remain in the skeptic corner in relation to the security dilema, alluding to the fact that ; while the software development kit and Exchange tie-in are steps in the right direction for the cutting-edge Apple smartphone, there are a few questions that need to be answered before the iPhone can fully gain enterprise status. And like it or not, fact remains that mobile devices remain constantly, targets by malware writer for malicious purposes. That’s why the security aspect is the first to get scrutanized with SDK now available. With that in mind, F-Secure has put together a preliminary look at the security features on the new iPhone software update.

Until next time