New Secure Mobile App Developer Credential Planned By CompTIA And viaForensics

PRESS RELEASE

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/.