UAE firms look to mobile encryption for security

RITIKA SHARMA / Emirates Business

Mobile encryption is one of the most debated topics in global digital industry. When social media gave a nod to its implementation, there were both concerns and rejoices that echoed across the world. In UAE due to high smartphone penetration and highly digital office environment, IT companies are looking for more innovative mobile encryption solutions to keep their sensitive data secure from cyber-attacks.
Mobile encryption is being looked at as an easy fix for the problem of data breaches, which are the top threat posed by lost or stolen smartphones and tablets for companies in UAE. More and more organisations are entering into strategic tie-ups with various security solutions providers to secure their sensitive data.
Zulfiqar Khan, CEO of EMS, a leading provider of mobility solutions and services in the region, that recently entered into a partnership with Koolspan, Inc., a leading provider of encrypted, secure voice and messaging solutions for mobile phones, told Emirates Business, “As the society goes mobile, encryption has indeed become the need of the hour. We have heard of stories from Hollywood and how it affects people on a personal level. However, what is even more concerning is that as more and more organisations are adopting mobility; the security for enterprises and governmental organisations that exchange highly sensitive information are constantly at risk.”
“Today only being able to work out of office should not be the criteria for any organisation. Important financial data, sensitive client files, data on research and developments of organisations in the UAE are some of the areas that can be safe guarded through mobile encryption and managed mobility,” he added.
Users store a significant amount of sensitive company data–such as business email, customer databases, corporate presentations and business plans–on their mobile devices. A theft of such a device can lead to a significant data loss incident and this is where encryption is needed.
“Encryption is indispensable at a time when the hackers are taking over the Internet and posing serious threat to information security. This menace from cyber criminals are wreaking havoc and costing individuals and organisations billions of dollars a year. Mobile encryption makes your data safe from jeopardy,” John Thomas, head of engagement strategy and planning at Dubai-based Unveyl Technologies, told Emirates Business.
Talking about the scenario in UAE, Melwyn Abraham, social media manager at Matrix PR, a Dubai-based media firm told Emirates Business, “Encryption can be used as a medium of conversation by anti-social elements to hide away from the law agencies. This is a real menace to society especially in the UAE where people are always looking for a competitive or business edge. It may also slow down the performance of the devices.”
“Mobile encryption basically gives security to your information and data when you are using a public or unknown network. It benefits the use
of smartphones for social media and online transactions as they are effectively protected against mobile device security threats especially in the event of losing such devices,” said Abraham, who handles a number of IT accounts.
In today’s mobile and app world, data privacy and protection is also seen as a consumer right. Experts say it is no less than a ‘must have’ for the users.
“Protecting data is not only about encryption on the device but also includes encryption of data at various storage points and during data transmission. In simple terms encryption is like a combination lock to your safe, with not just three but over a hundred numbers to set. So even if someone steals your safe, the exact hundred number combinations are needed to open it. While app developers try to keep our data safe, as a user, you must remember
that data security is both your right and your responsibility,” Bushra Khalid,Tech-head at Go Live, told Emirates Business.
However there are concerns about the ‘negative side’ of encryptions as well. Experts believe this can, in a way, encourage criminals to misuse the service.“In my opinion information encryption is both a boon and a bane. Earlier only tech savvy people knew how to activate privacy walls around them. Now almost everyone has access to privacy and security through the implementation of encryption laws. The down side is that encryption can be misused by cyber criminals,” Hoshi Singaporia, CEO of TBI, a Dubai-based advertising agency told Emirates Business.