The new messenger, “SIMSme” from Deutsche Post is to receive the “Trusted App” seal of quality. As a specialist for security testing of mobile applications, mediaTest digital, in cooperation with TÜViT (TÜV NORD GROUP), awards the seal to apps which fulfil the very highest security requirements and standards. “SIMSme” is now available free of charge for iPhone and Android.
The “SIMSme” messenger had to undergo extremely comprehensive security and data protection testing at mediaTest digital, in cooperation with TÜViT. This included analysis of all the input and output data of the app. Are sensitive data reliably protected against hacking and unauthorised penetration by third parties? Are the data that are sent really essential for correct functioning of the app? Does the use of the data comply with the strict data protection requirements of the German Data Protection Act (BDSG)?
“SIMSme fulfilled our strict requirements and standards in all respects. We recommend to users of other chat services that they should change over to the “SIMSme” messenger as soon as possible”, emphasises Sebastian Wolters, COO of mediaTest digital. The security standards developed by TÜViT and mediaTest digital for mobile applications are now also recommended and used by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
“We are very pleased indeed that “SIMSme” meets the strict requirements of TÜViT and mediaTest digital. In our position - as Deutsche Post - it is particularly important for us to present an absolutely secure messenger within the market. We can convincingly demonstrate this exceptional security level with the “Trusted App” seal. And when we introduce updates in the future, ongoing testing and support from mediaTest digital and TÜViT will ensure that our target level is maintained”, says Marco Hauprich, Senior Vice President for Mobile & New Media at Deutsche Post.
The general public are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of data protection. Often, extremely confidential information is exchanged through messengers, which can open the door to unwanted creation of user profiles. Personal news, pictures and videos are only meant for the designated recipient, but this data is often insufficiently protected, and is read out and sold to advertising networks for the creation of such profiles. Popular messengers also exhibit significant security loopholes: user name, password, address book entries and other sensitive data are often transmitted in unencrypted form. “Besides all this, data are often collected which are not in fact necessary for the correct functioning of the apps. Users often do not have the necessary technical equipment or knowledge to be able to recognise such security risks and misuse of data. The “Trusted App” seal makes it clear which apps can be used with confidence and can be entrusted with consumers’ personal information”, says Antonius Sommer, Managing Director of TÜViT.
As from now, the “Trusted App” seal, which has already been granted to apps such as DB Navigator, brands4friends (ebay) and to some others, will be awarded jointly by TÜViT and mediaTest digital. As Sommer says: “The security standards developed by mediaTest digital and TÜViT support developers and presenters of apps in developing secure app solutions – a powerful and convincing tool in the competitive market.”
About TÜViT
TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH – known in short as TÜViT – with headquarters in Essen, is a leading provider of inspection and testing services for IT Security and IT Quality. We support manufacturers, operators and users of IT systems, IT products and IT infrastructures, helping to maintain corporate values based on testing and certification. Our IT Security experts offer services such as Common Criteria assessments, cyber security, mobile security, industrial security, penetration tests, evaluation of information security management systems according to ISO/IEC 27001 and data protection audits. A further aspect is testing and certification of data centres with regard to their physical security and availability.
www.tuvit.de
About mediaTest digital
mediaTest digital specialises in security testing and certification of mobile applications (apps) and supports companies in safeguarding their mobile IT infrastructure. The test institute, based in Hanover, is a leading neutral service provider and enables comparison between mobile applications, creating security and trust for private and business use of smartphones and tablets. mediaTest digital supports companies in the introduction and implementation of Enterprise Mobility Concepts to protect against loss of data and industrial espionage. App manufacturers and providers are also able to optimise their products on the basis of test reports and can make use of the “Trusted App” seal of quality in publicising their services and communicating with stakeholders.
www.mediatest-digital.com