iBuildApp announced today a new Android app creator called Android Builder. The tool simplifies creating an iPhone and Android apps for smartphones.

I’m playing around with it right now, which is easy because it is free.

IBuildApp stressed the following in the press release:

• Now anyone can build an Android app using the web interface, without any knowledge of Java.
• The free solution allows anyone to create their own apps rather than hope developers create what they need. It also makes it easy to build and automatically publish an app to an app gallery.
• Some customers have become so good at creating iPhone apps they have started to make apps for others (becoming resellers).

This is pretty much all you need to know to get started.  The thing that throws me a little is that I’m trying to develop an Android app and the site keeps referring to the Apple Store.  We’ll see how it goes.

My latest blog post for CIOUpdate.com went live this morning.  I talk about some of the trends I saw at RSA last week including emphasis on securing virtual and mobile environments.

RSA 2011- Industry Focusing on Virtualization, Mobility and Data — CIOUpdate.com.

Maker of the Award-Winning Application My Mobile Watchdog Expands on Android, the Fastest Growing Operating System

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – (January 28th) –eAgency Mobile Security, developer of the My Mobile Watchdog service, today announced the launch of My Mobile Watchdog on the Android platform. My Mobile Watchdog for Android expands the leadership of the best-known product for monitoring cell phone use, giving parents a solution for their children’s Android-based smartphones.

In a related corporate announcement, eAgency Mobile Security is also making a strong commitment to the mobile security market via three broad new categories: Personal Security, Enterprise Security, and Public Safety. It currently has several new products in various stages of development, and will be introducing those products throughout 2011.

“Mobile device security is one of the most critical needs in today’s digital world. Yet at the very time people are seeking help the most, industry consolidation is creating gaps in both technology and innovation,” said Bob Lotter, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Our company’s steady advance in expertise, led by My Mobile Watchdog for Android, has put us in an ideal position to fill this unmet need.”

Peace-of-Mind with Android Phones

As smartphones based on the Android operating system become increasingly popular for children and teens, My Mobile Watchdog for Android offers the same powerful yet non-intrusive protection found in its original My Mobile Watchdog product.

My Mobile Watchdog’s online management tools monitor inappropriate contact with a child’s mobile phone. The technology monitors a child’s inbound and outbound activity, immediately notifying parents if a child receives an unwanted or suspicious call, email, picture message or text message. Activities are logged and archived to the My Mobile Watchdog account, allowing parents to view, assess and take action on questionable contacts. Parents have access to the application management tool, giving them the ability to approve or block various applications like Facebook, Web browser, Twitter, games and the camera.

“We’re making a commitment to our valued customers to deliver the very best mobile security products possible,” added Nicholas Montes, President. “With the introduction of My Mobile Watchdog for Android, we’re also continuing to meet the changing nature of the mobile device market.”

About eAgency Mobile Security:

Established in 2001 in Newport Beach, California, eAgency Mobile Security (formerly eAgency) is a market leader in mobile security for consumers and businesses worldwide. Its applications enable parents, enterprises and law enforcement agencies to secure the safety and integrity of activity by mobile device users, and are employed by many in the U.S. and beyond. eAgency Mobile Security’s products, led by My Mobile Watchdog have received national coverage on Dr. Phil, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. eAgency Mobile Security has multiple wireless patents pending for its innovations. Visit eagency.com.

I had a really interesting talk about a month ago with some staff members from a maximum security facility for minors somewhere in the USA. I agreed to keep tany identifying information confidential and it is irrelevant anyway. They wanted to know what I thought about the security implications of residents (mostly teenagers) having Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in the facility. They had seen that I write a lot about network security for different magazines and sites and also seen this blog so they thought I would be a natural choice to speak about these issues. I thought it was an interesting exercise.
On the surface, what harm could there be from allowing some kids to play portable video games? It doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.
This is what I came up with. There are probably more things that can be done that I might have gotten to if I had some more time to brainstorm.
1. The Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP can physically be used as weapons. You could hold one in your hand and hit someone with it. You could sharpen a stylus and shank someone with it. You could break a UMD and use the sharp edge to attack someone. If you allow the kids to have the device then you have to allow the chargers and maybe the headphones; the cords of either could be used to strangle someone.
2. The Nintendo DS has a plastic blank filling the compartment where a GBA cartridge gets plugged in. The inside of that blank can be used to conceal contraband. Likewise with the UMD bay of the PSP, and maybe even the Memory Stick Slot of the PSP.

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