Client registration fix
Some users may have experienced problems with registering their phone after downloading and installing the mobile application. The problem was due to the server looking into the device to check the phone number. In some cases, security permissions on the device prevented this from happening. As a result, we have posted a new build that would allow users to manually enter the mobile number during the client registration process. All builds have been updated, tested and are now available.
New face and 45 day free trial offer
Over the weekend we made some cosmetic changes to the user interface. As part of this update we are also announcing a 45 day free trial offer. In order to take advantage of the trial offer you have to request an invitation code.
We’d like to get your feedback regarding the new look and hope you enjoy the full functionality of using Tyfish for remote backup and over-the-air security.
Backup Without Security – Huh?
Whether we admit it or not, we tend to think of backup as a chore that you have to perform in spite of the obvious benefits of being able to replace lost data. By now, most people are used to the idea of backing up your Mac or PC, but the mobile phone experience is much more dynamic and spontaneous, so the last thing we think about losing our mobile information.
Let’s face it – back up is becoming a necessary evil. Like the saying goes “you can’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.” The same goes for our mobile data. It’s probably the most overlooked security risk that we deal with on a daily basis.
Those of us who appreciate the value backing things up have most likely gone through the experience of losing data that was not backed up and wished that we had acted when we had the opportunity. For those that have been through the fire – congrats, you’re halfway there.
For all of the reasons that you bother to back up your information in the first place, you may be missing one thing. Backup allows you to recover your pictures, ringtones, videos, and contacts that were lost, but what about all that and more that’s still on the phone and open to whoever can see it?
If you haven’t already, you better start thinking of your mobile phone as a “mobile wallet/purse” with stuff that you don’t want to expose to the public. Did you ever think of how easy it is to post your pictures and videos on the internet? Or find out who your friends, family and customers are? And if your into mobile banking, have a favorites list or keep stuff on an SD card you could literally become a victim of ID theft.
I’ll cover more on security in future posts under the tag “security”.
New Feedback Widget
Last week we introduced the new Feedback widget powered by GetSatisfaction.com. Its purpose is to provide an additional layer of support for Tyfish users through community based reviews and support of our services.
It works best if you’re unable to find the exact answer to a question on the official Tyfish site. You can then click the Feedback tab and start a conversation that gets posted at GetSatisfaction.com. We’ve placed the widget on non-secure pages so that security is maintained on all secure pages whenever a user logs in.
Try it out and let us know what you think.
Protecting Your Mobile Information
Mobile phones have become the most ubiquitous electronic consumer device in the world with about 3 billion units in activation (262 million in the U.S.) We depend on them not only to make voice calls but also to get news and information, exchange messages, store personal data and, entertain.
At one time or another we have all lost our keys, loose change, sunglasses, etc., but how would you feel if you lost your mobile phone? Analysts say that nearly one in every five mobile phones are lost, stolen or, damaged each year. And, although your mobile carrier may offer insurance which will replace a phone for a small monthly fee plus a deductible, the mobile data is still exposed to the world. With the growth of smartphones and PDAs, it’s reasonable to assume that to most owners the mobile information is exponentially more important than the device itself.
Last week, we introduced a new and unique service that protects the information stored on Palm, Blackberry and Windows Mobile phones. By downloading and installing a small application on the phone, owners of these phones can now backup and restore the information whenever they want and, secure the phone remotely from a web account if were ever lost or stolen. Tyfish is not a substitute for synchronizing your data with your computer. Instead, it offers a secure and convenient way to remotely store your contacts, calendar, tasks, pictures, audio files, and videos online and offsite.
Tyfish users can also remotely lock their phone from their web account if it were to become lost or stolen. Worst case – if it were unlikely that the phone were to be returned, a delete command could be sent to the phone that would wipe the important data from the mobile device and avoid the risk of it being compromised or misused. Last but not least, if the phone happens to be in silent mode while missing, you can send a remote command that will make the phone shout repeatedly at the highest volume level.
