Lesson 9: Mobile Devices
Week of Mon, Nov 16 · lesson closes Sun, Nov 22
By the end of this lesson you can:
- →Explain mobile connectivity technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and 5G cellular. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-2.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-6.1 FC0-U71 2.2
- →Identify mobile hardware components including SoC, battery types, and connector standards. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-2.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-6.1 FC0-U71 2.1
- →Compare Android and iOS operating systems and their app distribution and sandboxing models. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-2.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-6.1 FC0-U71 3.1
- →Apply mobile security controls including screen lock, remote wipe, and MDM enrollment. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-2.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-6.1 FC0-U71 3.6
Take Meerk's quiz for Lesson 9
This lesson's items
Exact due times are in Canvas.
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Know these cold
Mobile Hardware
- Smartphones use ARM processors (power-efficient); SoC (System on Chip) integrates CPU, GPU, and modem on one die.
- Battery types: lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (LiPo); never fully drain Li-ion batteries to extend lifespan.
- Touchscreens: capacitive (multi-touch, finger only) vs. resistive (single-touch, any stylus); all modern phones use capacitive.
- Connectors: Lightning (older Apple), USB-C (universal, current), Micro-USB (older Android/accessories).
Mobile Operating Systems
- Android (Google): open-source, runs on many manufacturers' hardware, customizable, app sideloading allowed.
- iOS (Apple): closed ecosystem, only on Apple hardware, tighter security, no sideloading (by default).
- Mobile app stores: Google Play Store (Android), Apple App Store (iOS) — curated for security.
- Mobile apps run in sandboxes — each app is isolated and must request permissions to access location, camera, contacts.
Mobile Security
- Screen lock methods: PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint (FP reader), face recognition — use at minimum a 6-digit PIN.
- Remote wipe erases device data if lost or stolen; enabled via Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android).
- MDM (Mobile Device Management) allows IT to remotely manage, configure, and wipe corporate devices.
- Enable automatic OS updates to patch vulnerabilities; avoid installing apps from unknown sources.
Mobile Connectivity
- Wi-Fi calling uses the internet for calls when cellular signal is weak; reduces carrier network load.
- Bluetooth pairing: devices exchange passkeys; BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used for IoT sensors and wearables.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): short-range (4 cm) wireless — used for contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and tap-to-pair.
- Mobile hotspot tethers the phone's cellular data to Wi-Fi so other devices can share the connection.
Quick check — before the quiz
1. Which connector is the current universal standard for charging and data transfer on modern smartphones (both Android and Apple since iPhone 15)?
2. MDM stands for:
Meerk's quiz — open the Lesson 9 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Stuck?
Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: If your phone was lost today, could someone access your data? What protections do you have on it?
En español: Si perdieras tu teléfono hoy, ¿podría alguien acceder a tus datos? ¿Qué protecciones tienes activadas?