PS/ITC/18/0004 Assignment on Data Synchronization in Mobile Computing

This assignment solution from the University of Cape Coast, Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, focuses on data synchronization in mobile computing. It defines data synchronization as the process of maintaining consistency between data sources and destinations, highlighting its importance in mobile environments. The solution details various types of data synchronization, including two-way, server-alerted, and client-initiated methods. It also explores the requirements of data synchronization and addresses general security issues such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, legitimacy, and accountability. The assignment further provides solutions to mitigate these security risks, such as user education, firewall implementation, and regular system updates. References from sources like Javatpoint and Talend are included to support the content.

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
COURSE NAME AND CODE: Mobile and Distributed Computing
INF 403
REGISTRATION NUMBER: PS/ITC/18/0004
ASSIGNMENT 1
Data synchronization is a method of establishing consistency between data from the data
source to the destination data warehouse and vice versa. In data synchronization, we need to
keep multiple copies of a set of data consistent with each other to maintain data integrity. Data
synchronization ensures continuous harmonization of data over time. This is the basic concept
used in many applications, including file synchronization and mobile device synchronization,for
example PDA. It is also used in encryption to synchronize public key servers.
Data synchronization example
Let's look at an example of asimple data synchronization.
Suppose you have added a new popular ringtone to one of your mobile provider's servers.
Here, data synchronization means that all servers in the service provider receive the same set

of ringtones. All devices connected to the server should be updated when new data becomes
available. The ringtone database available on all mobile phones contains a copy of the title of
this ringtone.
Types of Data Synchronization
Following is a list of different types of data synchronization techniques used in mobile
computing:
 Two-way data synchronization (partial or full copies of data)
Two-way data synchronization takes place between your mobile device and your
personal area computer. For example, whenever one of the personal information
administrator's contacts and list of data changes, two types of data synchronization are
used to keep them consistent.
 Server-alerted synchronization
With server notification synchronization, the server notifies clients when data changes
or is added. After receiving the alert, the client synchronizes the changed or new data by
polling the request. For example, after receiving a new email notification, the data on
your device will change.
 One-way server-initiated synchronization
In a server-initiated one-way synchronization, after receiving a change, the server
initiates the synchronization and sends a copy of the changed data to the client. For
example, synchronization begins when new email arrives at the server, or when a device
connects to the server and sends an email.
 The client-initiated refresh synchronization
In client-initiated update synchronization, the client initiates a synchronization with the
server, updating an existing copy of the data and updating the configuration parameters
stored on the server. For example, your computer or mobile device will start updating
your stored contacts and personal information data on a regular basis or when you are
connected to a server. If the device configuration changes, or if a new device connects
to the server, the previously submitted configuration parameters will be updated on the
server.
 Client-initiated synchronization
In client-initiated update synchronization, the client initiates a synchronization with the
server, updating an existing copy of the data and updating the configuration parameters
stored on the server. For example, your computer or mobile device will start updating
your stored contacts and personal information data on a regular basis or when you are
connected to a server. If the device configuration changes, or if a new device connects
to the server, the previously submitted configuration parameters will be updated on the
server.

 Refresh from the client for backup and update synchronization
With this synchronization, the client initiates the synchronization and sends a backup to
the server to update the data.
 Slow (full data copy and thorough) synchronization
If synchronization is slow, client and server data are compared and synchronized
according to conflict resolution rules. This synchronization usually occurs when the
device is idle, not immediately after connecting to the server. Therefore,
synchronization is slow.
The requirement of Data Synchronization
Data synchronization is important and necessary in mobile computing because it
validates the differences between two data containers or data sources and data
receivers and limits unwanted transfers of data that already exist in both data sources.
The data synchronization process typically updates both data sources and transfers only
additions, changes, and deletions. Here's why mobile computing requires data
synchronization:
 Data synchronization is required between the mobile device and its service
provider.
 It is also required between the device and the personal area computer, and
nearby wireless access points (within a WiFi connection) and other nearby
devices.
 It is used to establish consistency between data from the data source to the
target data store and vice versa.
General security Issues associated with mobile computing
 Confidentiality
This is used to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to any particular user's
critical and confidential information.
 Integrity
This is used to ensure that any type of unauthorized modification, destruction or creation
of information cannot be done
 Availability
The availability is used to ensure that authorized users get the required access whenever
they need it.

 Legitimate
This is used to ensure that only authorized, and legitimate users have access to the
services.
 Accountability
Accountability is used to ensure that the users will be responsible for their security-
related activities by arranging the users and their activities in a linked form.
How to solve the security issues:
 Educate the users on proper mobile computing ethics and security issues
 Make sure that the firewall client is installed on mobile devices
 Ensure that the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. enabled mobile devices are turned off when you are
not using them.
 Make periodic backups of your mobile devices on a data server.
 Update the system regularly to avoid vulnerabilities.
References
Data Synchronization in Mobile Computing - javatpoint. (n.d.). Www.Javatpoint.Com. Retrieved
April 19, 2022, from https://www.javatpoint.com/data-synchronization-in-mobile-
computing

Threat and Security Issues in Mobile Computing - javatpoint. (n.d.). Www.Javatpoint.Com.
Retrieved April 19, 2022, from https://www.javatpoint.com/threat-and-security-issues-in-
mobile-computing
What Is Data Synchronization and Why Is It Important? | Talend. (n.d.). Talend - A Leader in
Data Integration & Data Integrity. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
https://www.talend.com/resources/what-is-data-synchronization/