Infosec-mobcop - Framework for theft detection and data security on mobile computing devices

Abstract

People steal mobile devices with the intention of making money either by selling the mobile or by taking the sensitive information stored inside it. Mobile thefts are rising even with existing deterrents in place. This is because; they are ineffective, as they generate unnecessary alerts and might require expensive hardware equipments. In this paper a novel framework termed as InfoSec-MobCop is proposed which secures a mobile user's data and discovers theft by detecting any anomaly in the user behavior. The anomaly of the user is computed by extracting and monitoring user specific details (typing pattern and usage history). The result of any intrusion attempt by a masquerader is intimated to the service provider through an SMS. Effectiveness of the used approach is discussed using FAR and FRR graphs. The experimental system uses both real users and simulated studies to quantify the effectiveness of the InfoSec-MobCop (Information Security Mobile Cop). © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.