The present invention provides a system and method for reporting security information relating to a mobile device. A security component identifies security events on the mobile device that are processed on the mobile device or by a server. The security component then determines a security assessment for the mobile device based upon the detected security events. The security state assessment can be displayed in various different formats on the mobile device display or on a client computer through a user interface. The display may be persistent in the form of a desktop widget or home-screen item which enables the user or administrator to verify the functioning of security protection on the device and be alerted if the device needs attention without having to specifically seek such information.