June 2008 - Posts

• Smartphone Security Risks - Perceived Threats

  In a previous post I wrote about the security threats to smartphone devices following the release of a significant mobile device virus in the Far East. Its seems I am  not alone in my concerns. In a  recent survey of IT managers  94%, of 300 IT managers surveyed at this years' InfoSecurity Europe exhibition regarded smartphones as a growing security risk, with concern higher among enterprises with more than 1000 employees (97%) than smaller organisations (91%). The full details are at: http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2008/06/03/230910/smartphones-becoming-an-increased-security-risk.htm There are of course lots of things that can be done to mitigate the security risks to mobile devices. For enterprises there is a good guide to device and data security at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/enterprise/security.mspx Posted Jun 13 2008, 09:11 AM by rogerw with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Mobile Devices, security

• Windows Mobile 6 ROM Update For Orange SPV E650

  I recently got hold of the latest Windows Mobile 6 ROM Update for the Orange E650 Smartphone. Note this does not upgrade the device to Windows 6.1 just patches issues in the Windows Mobile 6 release. We are still waiting to discover whether an update for Windows Mobile 6.1 will be available for this platform. Apparently for the ROM update fixes numerous defects with freezing/lock and Bluetooth issues. It upgrades the device to ROM version 1.35.61.1 I have installed the update on my E650 and so far no issues or problems. Battery life also seems marginally better. I know many people who have had frequent lockups etc with this device at times so if you have these issues, this is a recommended upgrade. Installing the Update Note that this is a ROM update so will wipe all previous data on the device. I would recommend you do the following: Make sure the device is connected to a charging source or has at least 20 minutes of power left before commencing the upgrade. Perform a backup of all data and software on the device you wish to keep. If you have encrypted data and SD cards on the device ensure you have also got an unencrypted backup of the data and SD card contents. Windows Mobile 6 lets you encrypt data and SD cards as standard but the encryption is tied to the specific device. There is a slim chance that if the upgrade goes wrong you will not be able to recover the keys on the device to decrypt. Remember the partnership name used as you will need to re-create it. Getting the Update The link for the Windows Mobile 6 ROM for the E650 is as follows: http://www.business.orange.co.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Business&c=OUKDevice&cid=1044134892703&extarg1=Phone&t=SMEDeviceDownloads The page linked to from the above URL also provides another link to a ROM installation guide. This is well worth reading. Posted Jun 13 2008, 12:35 AM by rogerw with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Mobile Devices, Windows Mobile 6.0, Orange SPV E650