The effects of mobile devices on cybersecurity Essay

The effects of mobile devices on cybersecurity - Essay Example The development of the mobile technology has significantly changed the way people live. It played a notable role in making modern life convenient and flexible. The mobile technology grew rapidly that it took hardly ten years to enter the mainstream use, and, when compared to the growth of telephones this growth was unusually fast. According to Cisco’s 2013 global mobile data forecast (2014), today the number of mobile devices equals the number of humans on the planet. The mobile technology fact sheet published by the Pew Research Center (2014) indicates that 90% of American adults own a cell phone, 58% of them own a smartphone, 32% own an e-reader, and 42% own a tablet computer. It is interesting to note that 67% of cell phone users check their phones frequently for calls, messages, or other alerts when while their phones do not ring or vibrate. There are another 44% of cell users sleeping with their phones next to the bed so as to make sure that they do not miss any call, mes sage, or update. The fact sheet also reflects that 29% of cell users consider their cell phone as â€Å"something they cannot imagine living without† (The mobile technology fact sheet, Pew Research Center, 2014). The term cybersecurity refers to the process of providing security to devices such as computers, cell phones, smartphones, and tablets, as well as the whole internet. In the current world, promoting cybersecurity is of great importance because modern people increasingly depend on computer networks to store and transfer their confidential data/information. Magid (2014) says that since such sensitive personal data is exposed to computer networks, hackers or other cyber criminals may intrude into the privacy of network users and empty their bank account if proper cybersecurity measures are not in place. Business enterprises are no exception to such cyber challenges. Hence,