* [Blog](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog)
* [Palo Alto Networks](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/corporate/)
* [Mobility](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/mobility/)
* Mobile Security: Variatio...

# Mobile Security: Variations on a Theme

[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2015%2F12%2Fmobile-security-variations-on-a-theme%2F)  
[](https://twitter.com/share?text=Mobile+Security%3A+Variations+on+a+Theme&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2015%2F12%2Fmobile-security-variations-on-a-theme%2F)  
[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fblog%2F2015%2F12%2Fmobile-security-variations-on-a-theme%2F&title=Mobile+Security%3A+Variations+on+a+Theme&summary=&source=)  
[](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2015/12/mobile-security-variations-on-a-theme/&ts=markdown)  
\[\](mailto:?subject=Mobile Security: Variations on a Theme)  
Link copied  
By [Brian Tokuyoshi](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/author/brian/?ts=markdown "Posts by Brian Tokuyoshi")  
Dec 08, 2015  
3 minutes  
[Mobility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/mobility/?ts=markdown)  
[Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/security-platform/?ts=markdown)  
[BYOD](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/byod/?ts=markdown)  
[globalprotect](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/globalprotect/?ts=markdown)

Niccolò Paganini's [Caprice No. 24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ307sM0t-0) in A Minor is a famous and notoriously difficult composition that only the most advanced violinists can play. It's made up of a theme, along with Paganini's own variations. But as respectable as it is on its own, it's been discovered and rediscovered by a [large number of composers and artists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprice_No._24_%28Paganini%29#Variations_on_the_theme) over the years for new audiences, many of whom may not have realized they were listening to Paganini in the first place.

Each variation on a theme can provide new insights, because they challenge the audience to hear things that they may not have otherwise noticed. But without knowledge of the original theme, there's also a chance of missing out on the big picture. In some ways, the discussion around mobile security takes on its own variations of a theme, because many people share common concepts on risk but their priorities on what must be done vary greatly.

I've had discussions with people who see mobile security as a data at rest issue, namely how to protect and remove data once it reaches the mobile device. That argument may address some of the issues with lost and stolen devices, but it does not address what happens if there is a malicious adversary trying to control the device.

Then there are networking teams who see mobile security as a network blocking issue, namely that they'll do whatever they can to keep BYOD and unsanctioned devices off their corporate network. That may be a way to keep infected mobile devices out of sight, out of mind, but it doesn't really make the sanctioned devices any safer to use.

There are also networking teams who see mobile security as being a remote access issue, but as applications move to the cloud, the use case for remote access becomes fuzzy, and the use of standalone VPN appliances even fuzzier.

It's important to ask whether you're addressing the problem itself, or a variation of the problem. For example, while each of the problems above are valid in their own right, the bigger issue is that organizations often lack ways to enforce security policies that could prevent improper application traffic and threats from reaching the device in the first place.

These thoughts come to mind as I read through [NIST Special Publication 1800-4](https://nccoe.nist.gov/projects/building_blocks/mobile_device_security), which outlines the problem in mobile security. Section 4.4.1 discusses threats (including mobile malware) and Section 4.4.2 discusses exploitable vulnerabilities, both of which are at the heart of modern cyberattacks.

At Palo Alto Networks, we believe that prevention is a necessary and critical measure to prevent exploits and malware from reaching the device in the first place. The next-generation security platform provides an integrated approach toward the use of global threat intelligence to stop threats in application traffic. With [GlobalProtect](http://paloaltonetworks.com/globalprotect), all corporate application traffic is inspected by the next-generation security platform, regardless of where the user is located. This enables the organization to take a prevention-first approach by applying security policy to stop both known and unknown mobile threats.

As mobile security becomes better understood, it is important to develop strategies and frameworks that will help foster broader understanding of the issues at play -- not just one or two variations. Stopping threats won't come from solving the variations of the theme, but rather by addressing the core of the problem itself. Plan for prevention first in order to strengthen your mobile security strategy.

*** ** * ** ***

## Related Blogs

### [Customer Spotlight](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/customer-spotlight/?ts=markdown), [Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/security-platform/?ts=markdown)

[#### Customer Spotlight: Domain Group Keeps the Presses Rolling With Palo Alto Networks](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2017/09/customer-spotlight-domain-group-keeps-presses-rolling-palo-alto-networks/)

### [Customer Spotlight](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/customer-spotlight/?ts=markdown), [Real Estate](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/real-estate/?ts=markdown), [Retail](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/retail/?ts=markdown), [Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/security-platform/?ts=markdown)

[#### Customer Spotlight: Delta Holding Prevents Ransomware by Upgrading Security Posture](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2016/10/customer-spotlight-delta-holding-prevents-ransomware-upgrading-security-posture/)

### [Distributed Enterprise](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/distributed-enterprise/?ts=markdown), [Mobility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/mobility/?ts=markdown), [Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/threat-prevention-2/?ts=markdown)

[#### Reusable Mobile App Libraries Introduce Reusable Security Issues](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2014/07/reusable-mobile-app-libraries-introduce-reusable-security-issues/)

### [Events](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/events/?ts=markdown), [Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/security-platform/?ts=markdown)

[#### Security Operations Under Fire Inside Black Hat's NOC](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2025/09/security-operations-inside-black-hats-noc/)

### [Product Features](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/sase/category/product-features/?ts=markdown), [Products and Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/products-and-services/?ts=markdown)

[#### Secure M\&As and Accelerate Time-to-Value with Prisma Access Browser](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/sase/secure-mas-and-accelerate-time-to-value-with-prisma-access-browser/)

### [Mobile Users](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/sase/category/mobile-users/?ts=markdown), [Product Features](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/sase/category/product-features/?ts=markdown), [Products and Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/products-and-services/?ts=markdown)

[#### Secure BYOD with Prisma Access Browser for Mobile Devices](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/sase/secure-byod-with-prisma-access-browser-for-mobile-devices/)

### Subscribe to the Blog!

Sign up to receive must-read articles, Playbooks of the Week, new feature announcements, and more.
![spinner](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/wp-content/themes/panwblog2023/dist/images/ajax-loader.gif) Sign up  
Please enter a valid email.  
By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown) and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown). Please look for a confirmation email from us. If you don't receive it in the next 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.  
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.  
{#footer} {#footer}

## Products and Services

* [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security?ts=markdown)

* [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security/secure-ai-by-design?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown)

* [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)

* [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall?ts=markdown)

* [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations?ts=markdown)

* [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown)

* [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager?ts=markdown)

* [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription?ts=markdown)

* [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os?ts=markdown)

* [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama?ts=markdown)

* [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown)

* [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration?ts=markdown)

* [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan?ts=markdown)

* [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation?ts=markdown)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)

* [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown)

* [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)

* [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown)

* [Proactive Assessments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown)

* [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown)

* [Transform Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown)

* [Discover Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence-partners?ts=markdown)

## Company

* [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us?ts=markdown)
* [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/)
* [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown)
* [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility?ts=markdown)
* [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers?ts=markdown)
* [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations?ts=markdown)
* [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom?ts=markdown)

## Popular Links

* [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/?ts=markdown)
* [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities?ts=markdown)
* [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown)
* [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown)
* [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center)
* [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z?ts=markdown)
* [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/compliance?ts=markdown)
* [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure?ts=markdown)
* [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap?ts=markdown)
* [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd)
  ![PAN logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg)
* [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown)
* [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center?ts=markdown)
* [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown)
* [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal?ts=markdown)

Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved

* [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks)
* [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector?ts=markdown)
* [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/)
* [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks)
* [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks)
* EN  
  Select your language