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New Secure Mobile App Developer Credential Planned by CompTIA and viaForensics

ahoog — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:21:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

New Secure Mobile App Developer Credential Planned by CompTIA and viaForensics
Specialty certification due in first half of 2012, along with suite of mobile app testing services

Chicago and Downers Grove, Ill., December 15, 2011 – A new credential intended for mobile applications developers is being created by CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, and viaForensics, a leading digital forensics and security firm, the two organizations announced today.

“The mobile app development world is a vast arena for innovation, but too often security has been a secondary concern in the rush to bring new apps to the market,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive office, CompTIA.

“Because mobile devices typically combine both personal and corporate data, they’re a rich target for cybercriminals and hackers. CompTIA and viaForensics intend to elevate the level of security awareness among mobile app developers.”

The secure mobile application developer credential and corresponding testing services – scheduled for availability in the first half of 2012 – are intended to meet the growing needs of software application vendors in their pursuit of qualified professionals to work in the fast-growing mobile apps market.

Research firm IDC estimates that the number of annual mobile app downloads will grow from 10.7 billion in 2010 to nearly 183 billion by 2015. Other industry observers predict similarly epic numbers of users of these handy, but potentially risky applications.

“Over 45 million smartphones are in use, not only by U.S. consumers, but at companies and government agencies across the nation,” said Andrew Hoog, chief investigative officer, viaForensics. “Vulnerabilities found in these mobile devices place their owners, companies and our country at risk.”

viaForensics and CompTIA intend to offer secure mobile application developer credentials and testing services for both the iOS and Android operating environments. This collaborative effort combines CompTIA’s standing as the leading provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications for IT professionals with ViaForensics’ industry leading appSecure service, appWatchdog and a wealth of mobile security intelligence.

“CompTIA’s global distribution and partnering programs will provide scale and access for the programs, while the depth of viaForensics secured applications expertise will afford user access to industry best services,” said Terry Erdle, executive vice president, skills certification, CompTIA.

Today’s announcement is part of CompTIA’s broader initiative to address issues impacting companies doing business in the mobility marketplace. CompTIA is developing a new mobility curriculum, consisting of educational programs, workshops, how-to guides and other resources, to meet the specific needs of IT channel companies.

In early 2012, CompTIA is scheduled to publish new research on mobility, telecommuting and remote workforce trends.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/comptia.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is a leading digital forensics and security firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies, large financial institutions, law firms, the U.S. Government and domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies. Areas of focus include mobile app security, computer and mobile forensics, enterprise security, and forensics training. viaForensics is the leading expert on Android and iPhone forensics and has developed a suite of unique services to meet today’s mobile and enterprise security needs. For more information, visit http://viaforensics.com/.

Contacts:

Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
CompTIA
630-678-8468
smostrowski@comptia.org

Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
+1 312-878-1100
pr@viaforensics.com

Mobile Security Risk Report released by viaForensics

lhaas — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:11:02 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

Mobile Security Risk Report released by viaForensics

viaForensics releases mobile device risk assessment report featuring key recommendations on security strategies.

Chicago, November 3, 2011 – viaForensics, a leader in mobile forensics and mobile app security, has just released its new “Mobile Security Risk Report” featuring over 80 pages of expert risk assessment based on technical research and case experience. The report includes both a high-level summary of key issues and in-depth technical analysis citing specific examples of risk areas. The report is available for download for a fee from the viaforensics.com web site.

Corporations are struggling to support empoyees’ mobile devices, especially iOS and Android, while still maintaining an acceptable level of data protection and enterprise security. The “Mobile Security Risk Report” provides decision-makers, such as CIOs, CISOs and others dealing with mobile device security strategy, with real-world intelligence and actionable recommendations on managing the mobile risks of iOS and Android smart phones and devices.

The report covers common security questions, such as whether popular platforms (iOS and Android) are secure enough for enterprise use and how these platforms compare to the commonly used Blackberry platform. The effectiveness of using passcodes and encryption to protect against unwarranted access and data theft is also discussed.

Additional key features include:

●Risk scenarios and mobile risk maps

●Auditing of mobile devices

●Recommended corporate policies for mobile security

●Security comparison: iOS, Android and Blackberry

●Device security control profiles

●Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Secure Messaging

●Technical Analyses of iOS and Android

Find more information at https://viaforensics.com/products/mobile-security-risk-report/. The report is provided upon purchase as an encrypted PDF file download. The cost is $495.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative digital forensics and security firm providing services to corporations, law firms and law enforcement/government agencies. Areas of focus include computer and mobile forensics, mobile app security, enterprise security, information security and penetration testing, and forensics training. As the leading experts on Android and iPhone forensics, viaForensics has developed a suite of unique products and services to serve the mobile and enterprise security needs of organizations.

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Expert Forensic and Security Researchers Thomas Cannon and Jonathan Zdziarski Join viaForensics

Jon Pisani — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:42:26 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Email: pr@viaforensics.com
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

Expert Forensic and Security Researchers Thomas Cannon and Jonathan Zdziarski Join viaForensics

Oak Park, IL—September 1, 2011—viaForensics, a firm providing expert services and products for mobile security and forensics, announced today that it has named US iPhone expert Jonathan Zdziarski and UK Android expert Thomas Cannon to its research and development arm. Both researchers are respected leaders in the digital forensics and mobile security industries.

“Thomas and Jonathan’s expertise will further position viaForensics as a leader in mobile forensics and security and we are very pleased to have them join our team,” said Chee-Young Kim, President of viaForensics. viaForensics’ service such as appSecure®, a mobile app security certification, and viaExtract®, a powerful forensic software suite, require bleeding-edge research and development to stay ahead of attackers and provide the deepest forensic support possible.

Cannon, who will be Director of Research and Development, has gained CISSP, CISM and holds a variety of technical qualifications. Before joining viaForensics, he worked as an Information Security Officer for Aviva PLC, a global insurance and financial services group based in the United Kingdom, where he also lead a security response and investigation service. His specialties include security testing and vulnerability assessment, risk management, secure development in enterprise environments, Linux, Android and embedded platforms. His research work on Android security has been featured on a number of prominent news and technology sites.

He is currently pursuing a Masters in Computer Security and Forensics from Bedfordshire University and has published articles and presented at conferences including Hakin9 and the SQS Conference in London.

Zdziarski, viaForensics’ new Senior Forensic Scientist, is considered a pioneer in the field of Apple iOS related forensics. An author of four books on iPhone development for O’Reilly Media, internationally recognized forensics expert and instructor for many law enforcement agencies, and researcher noted for his deep knowledge of Apple’s iOS, Zdziarski provides a free suite of iOS forensic tools to law enforcement agencies and frequently assists pro-bono on a number of high profile cases requiring his expertise. Previously, he worked as lead software systems engineer at Bedford, Mass.-based MITRE Corp., a federally funded research and development center specializing in information technology, operational concepts, systems engineering and enterprise modernization to solve complex national problems. Prior to that, Zdziarski was a senior research scientist for McAfee Inc. and helped build a number of startups’ infrastructures.

Author of the well-received iPhone Forensics: Recovering Evidence, Personal Data, and Corporate Assets (O’Reilly, 2008) among many other iOS-related works, Zdziarski has presented at numerous professional conferences including Mobile Forensics World, Techno Security & Digital Investigations, the Gartner Mobile Summit, and High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA) conferences. He has also trained many federal and state law enforcement digital forensic examiners in iPhone forensics, using tools and techniques he has developed; he has served as an expert witness for the prosecution, testifying about the process, which has been validated by the National Institute of Justice.

About viaForensics

Mobile forensics training sessions offered by viaForensics

lhaas — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:30:53 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

Mobile forensics training sessions offered by viaForensics

viaForensics will hold five mobile forensics training sessions in Mississauga, Ontario, this October.

Chicago, August 22, 2011 – viaForensics will hold five mobile forensics training sessions covering Linux use in forensics, iPhone forensics, Android forensics, advanced mobile forensics, and advanced file carving. The sessions will be held at the Peel Police Department in Mississauga, Ontario, October 3-7, 2011. Each training session is an independent one-day workshop. Attendees can register for one day or several trainings.

Registration information is available on the viaForensics website. This workshop is limited to law enforcement personnel.

The October 3 session, Introduction to Linux Forensics, outlines useful forensic utilities used in the Linux environment. This course provides a foundation for the following days’ courses, providing an overview of Linux in mobile forensics. The October 4, 5, and 6 sessions cover iPhone forensics, Android forensics, and advanced mobile forensics respectively. All three discuss the intricacies of extracting and analyzing data from the different platforms. The final Advanced File Carving session on October 7 teaches investigators how to effectively use header information to carve deleted data from partially fragmented or deleted database files.

More detailed course descriptions and registration information is provided on the viaForensics website under the Education heading. http://viaforensics.com/education/calendar/

About viaForensics

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Powerful forensic tool for Android devices released

lhaas — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 12:44:32 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

Powerful forensic tool for Android devices released

viaForensics announces the release of viaExtract – Android Logical, a powerful new analysis and reporting application for Android devices.

Chicago, June 4, 2011 – Android forensics is now easier, faster, and more powerful than ever. Digital forensics and security firm viaForensics launched its powerful new analysis and reporting application for Android smart phones and devices: viaExtract-Android Logical. viaForensics is introducing the new application at the Techno Security & Mobile Forensics 2011 Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, June 5-8.

This analysis and reporting tool expands on viaForensics’ popular AFLogical acquisition tool widely used by law enforcement. The new viaExtract-Android Logical offers a more thorough forensic analysis of Android devices than any other product on the market and features advanced reporting abilities. The initial release features an easy-to-use interface, searching and sorting of acquired data, and the ability to export reports to PDF, utilizing forensically sound technology and techniques.

The application is self-contained in a virtual machine so it can be utilized on a multitude of host operating systems. Frequent expansions of reporting and analysis functionality are planned and the application is fully supported by viaForensics’ expert staff.

Visit the website for more information, to register for updates and to download a demonstration version.

About viaForensics

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viaForensics at the forefront of mobile app security – Wall Street Journal

lhaas — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:15:31 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

viaForensics at the forefront of mobile app security

Discussion over mobile app regulations is heating up, as highlighted in a recent WSJ article, and the industry is taking a closer look at ratings and warning systems such as viaForensics’ appWatchdog.

Chicago, May 11, 2011 – A recent Wall Street Journal article “Industry Weighs Policing Mobile Apps” discusses various methods that those concerned with mobile security are employing to head of impending regulations, including services such as appWatchdog, offered by viaForensics, which tests popular mobile apps for potential insecurities and posts the finding for the public.

With growing discussion among lawmakers regarding network security and consumer privacy, industry trade groups and mobile security firms, such as viaForensics, are entering the spotlight as they develop various services, products and guidelines to address such issues. As the WSJ article points out, these approaches vary from providing warning systems to awarding “seals of approval” to apps that meet high security standards.

viaForensics’ takes both approaches through two services addressing mobile app security. appWatchdog works as a warning system. The WSJ describes the service as a software that “scans a user’s apps and delivers a color-coded verdict on how well the apps protect a mobile phone from malicious software or viruses.” The findings are posted on viaForensics’ website and can be viewed free by the public.

Additionally, viaForensics offers a full forensic audit for mobile apps through their appSecure service. The appSecure service offers a unique public third-party certification, or seal of approval. This service is designed mainly for app developers and can provide the development and security teams concrete recommendations to protect customer’s sensitive data and identity.

To find out more about viaForensics’ mobile app security services, visit their website at www.viaforensics.com.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative digital forensics and security firm providing services to corporations, law firms and law enforcement/government agencies. Areas of focus include computer and mobile forensics, mobile app security, enterprise security, infosec and penetration testing, and forensics training. As the leading experts on Android and iPhone forensics, viaForensics has developed a suite of unique services to serve the mobile and enterprise security needs of organizations.

viaForensics’ CIO Andrew Hoog to speak at ITA Mobile Visionary Roundtable

lhaas — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:23:08 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

viaForensics’ CIO Andrew Hoog to speak at ITA Mobile Visionary Roundtable

The Chief Investigative Officer for viaForensics will be the featured guest speaker at the Illinois Technology Association’s Mobile Visionary Roundtable

Chicago, April 6, 2011 – The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) will present a roundtable on “Leveraging Forensics in Mobile App Security” on Wednesday, April 20, at 8:30 a.m., at the ITA/TechNexus Center in Chicago. Chief Investigative Officer Andrew Hoog of innovative computer/mobile forensic firm viaForensics will be the featured speaker.

As the demand for mobile apps grows exponentially, companies are more vulnerable and concerned about the risks and impacts of security flaws. While companies must continue to invest and maintain traditional security techniques, a new strategy is emerging. These new techniques, based in the science of digital forensics, offer a fresh and complimentary approach to securing your mobile apps.

viaForensics is leading the way in this new frontier of digital forensics. In addition to providing expert mobile forensics and mobile data recovery services, viaForensics works with app developers to provide concrete recommendations that empower the development teams to protect customers’ sensitive data and identities. viaForensics has developed advanced forensics and security techniques that empirically identify customer data at risk.

The roundtable will provide examples of mobile app security risks, define digital forensics, and explain its role in mobile app development. It will also provide an overall strategy for developing secure mobile apps from design through post-deployment.

The roundtable will be held at the ITA/TechNexus Center, Conference Room A/B at 200 South Wacker, 15th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. For more information or to register, visit http://www.illinoistech.org/event.aspx/3408.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative digital forensics and security firm providing services to corporations, law firms and law enforcement/government agencies. Areas of focus include computer and mobile forensics, mobile app security, enterprise security, infosec and penetration testing, and forensics training. As the leading experts on Android and iPhone forensics, viaForensics has developed a suite of unique services to serve the mobile and enterprise security needs of organizations.

Andrew Hoog is a computer scientist, computer/forensics researcher and Chief Investigative Officer at viaForensics. His books on Android and iPhone forensics are due out later this year.

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appWatchdog addresses mobile security issues, highlighted by New York Times

lhaas — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:38:43 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Andrew Hoog
Chief Investigative Officer
viaForensics
Phone: +1 312-878-1100
http://viaforensics.com/contact-us

viaForensics’ appWatchdog service measures potential security risks in popular shopping, banking and social media applications.

Chicago, February 14, 2011 – viaForensics, an innovative computer/mobile forensics and security firm, offers a free appWatchdog service which tests for potential security flaws in mobile applications. The service was recently highlighted by the New York Times in an article discussing the increasing concerns over mobile phone security.

As the sales and use of smart phones continues to rise, so do the security risks. While malware and malicious software attacks are beginning to pop up, simple flaws in the mobile apps themselves may be putting the users at the most risk. These flaws allow user data, such as user names and passwords, to be stored on the device.

“While I see some risk in rogue apps, the larger concern is perfectly legitimate apps that put consumers’ sensitive data at risk through poor development, testing and security practices,” say viaForensics’ CIO Andrew Hoog.

viaForensics has focused its efforts on education, awareness and pushing application developers to secure consumers’ sensitive data. Their free appWatchdog service posts the findings from tests of popular applications. Users can submit requests for specific apps to be tested and additional findings will be posted as they become available.

Additionally, developers can take advantage of viaForensics’ unique testing techniques through the appSecure service. By performing this high level testing, developers are providing an additional level of assurance to their users, thereby building user confidence that the applications are secure.

Visit the viaForensics website for more information on appWatchdog and to review recent findings. Or read the full NYT story: Hackers Go After the Smartphone by Sonia Kolesnikov-Jessop.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative computer/mobile forensics and security firm providing law enforcement, corporations, attorneys and others with expert forensics and security services. viaForensics provides advanced security audits for mobile apps and uses innovative forensic technologies to improve mobile and enterprise security.

Andrew Hoog is a computer scientist, computer/forensics researcher and Chief Investigative Officer at viaForensics. He is currently writing books on Android and iPhone forensics.

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viaForensics to present at ICDDF

lhaas — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:51:03 +0000

CIO of viaForensics, Andrew Hoog, will be presenting on advanced file carving techniques and smart mobile file system analysis at the International Communications Data & Digital Forensics Seminar. The seminar takes place in London on March 28-29, 2011, at the The Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow. Andrew’s presentation on March 29 will provide an in-depth look at advanced data recovery methods and an overview of how to recover data that would typically be overlooked by traditional forensic methods.

In addition, Andrew will be providing a training course on advanced file carving techniques the following day at the conference hotel. More information can be found by clicking the education link on this site.

The conference is presented by the UK ACPO Data Communications Group (DCG), in partnership with the Home Office, FBI (Operational Technology Division) and MPS (Directorate of Information).

Andrew Hoog is a leading expert on mobile forensics. He is currently working on books on iPhone forensics and Android forensics due out later this year. His firm, viaForensics, offers expert information security services, digital forensics consulting, mobile forensics services, forensics training and other related services.

viaForensics announces four upcoming mobile forensics training sessions

lhaas — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:01:45 +0000

viaForensics will hold four mobile forensics training sessions in the Chicago area covering Linux use in forensics, iPhone forensics, Android forensics and advanced mobile forensics.

Chicago, January 19, 2011 – viaForensics will hold four independent training sessions covering different topics related to mobile forensics in Oak Park March 8, 9, 10 and 11. Each training session is an independent one-day workshop. Attendees can register for one day or several trainings. Workshops are priced individually. Registration information is available on the viaForensics website. Workshops are designed for law enforcement personnel. The Linux, Android and advanced mobile forensics workshops are open to non-law enforcement individuals.

The March 8 session, Introduction to Linux Forensics, outlines useful forensic utilities used in the Linux environment. This course provides a foundation for the following days’ courses, providing an overview of Linux in mobile forensics. The March 9 and 10 sessions cover iPhone forensics and Android forensics respectively. Both discuss the intricacies of extracting and analyzing data from the different platforms. The final Advanced Mobile Forensics session on March 11 dives deeper into the physical method of extracting data from Android and other mobile devices.

More detailed course descriptions and registration information is provided on the viaForensics website under the Education heading.

About viaForensics

viaForensics is an innovative computer/mobile forensic and e-discovery firm providing law enforcement, corporations, attorneys and others with expert mobile forensics and mobile data recovery services. viaForensics provides analysis for mobile phone applications and uses innovative forensic technologies to improve data security and protect users.

Andrew Hoog is a computer scientist, computer/forensics researcher and Chief Investigative Officer at viaForensics. He is currently writing books on Android and iPhone forensics.