Mobile Security Featured Article

Juniper Research Forecasts Mobile Device Growth and the Need for Mobile Security

Juniper Research (News - Alert), a company founded in 2001 that specializes in providing analysis, strategic assessment and business modeling of high growth mobile market sectors, recently published its new report, called “Mobile Security Strategies: Threats, Solutions & Market Forecasts 2012-2017”.

This 40-page report targets the market of mobile devices which enlightens readers about the growing shift to mobile for users, to include private citizens and businesses and on-the-go. More and more users, in fact, especially in the business world are relying on mobile devices to increase productivity and to allow employees more chances to communicate and connect remotely while on the road.

By 2014, in fact, business mobile devices should reach the number of almost 350 million.

Juniper Research’s report highlights the alarming trend of growth of malware incidents involving tablet and smartphone: a 95 percent growth. More alarming is probably the finding that only five percent of smartphones and tablets are currently effectively protected by security software; that figure includes both consumer and corporate devices.

Jupiter’s forecast is that the number of protected devices will grow to 20 percent by 2017. Security software will grow in importance as users begin to rely heavily on their mobile devices; the effects of malware attacks as well as fraud and thefts will be increasingly devastating for mobile users.

Research Analyst Nitin Bhas, author of the report and expert in wireless communication systems and IP security, believes that the market will soon acknowledge the need for more security in the mobile world. He believes vendors will recognize the need to offer built-in protection with features like “Track the Device” and “Lock and Wipe”.

Tracking is essential in being able to attempt a recovery of the device in case of misplacing or even stolen. The lock and wipe is also a very important feature as it allows the owner of the device to remotely lock the phone and even wipe it clean of all sensitive data that it contains. Both features would provide much needed peace of mind for users now dependent on their mobile devices.

Mobile device retailers and wireless teleco service providers that will recognize this new demand, for extending mobile security for consumers – such as to make available to the public an anti-virus app to scan for malware and/or an encryption app for identity theft protection, will not only be able to provide better customer services to users, but such high-value applications are most likely to help both mobile manufacturers and sellers as well as service providers increased revenue.

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