09 Feb 2010

Symbian OS 'could improve security'

The uptake of the new open source (OS) operating system from the Symbian Foundation could boost data security for firms, it has been claimed.

An administrator for Darknet - a blog for ethical hackers and data security - said the platform is used in mobile communications and its OS nature means any flaws can be highlighted and addressed faster than other technologies.

He commented: "The relationship of open source to security is not linear; it depends on the popularity of the project. The more people involved and looking at it, the more likely it is bugs will get spotted and fixed."

In addition, OS systems provide greater flexibility and customisability for clients, another fact that could benefit businesses.

According to a report by ABI Research, 336.5 million mobile handsets were shipped worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2009, up 15.1 per cent year-on-year.

Furthermore, the company predicted shipments are likely to expand up to 1.2 billion handsets in 2010.