A smartphone user jailbreaks their device to install applications from unapproved sources. Which of the following best describes the primary security risk introduced by this action?
The device's performance is significantly enhanced by removing pre-installed applications.
The device receives security patches more quickly from the developer community.
The device's warranty is voided, preventing official repairs.
The device is more susceptible to malware because the manufacturer's security controls are bypassed.
The correct answer is that the device becomes more susceptible to malware. Jailbreaking removes the operating system's built-in security features, such as sandboxing and code signing, which are designed to protect the device and its data. This allows unvetted applications from third-party sources to be installed, which can contain malware or exploit the elevated privileges gained through jailbreaking. While voiding the warranty is a likely consequence, it is a support issue, not the primary security risk. Jailbreaking can sometimes lead to system instability and crashes rather than a guaranteed performance enhancement. Furthermore, jailbreaking prevents the installation of official OS updates, which include critical security patches, making the device less secure over time.
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What does 'jailbreaking' a mobile device mean?
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Why is it important to keep the manufacturer's security controls in place?