Mobile security market expected to big future business

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

As more consumers adopt mobile devices worldwide, especially smartphones, security remains a critical issue.

According to a recent study conducted by research firm Global Industry Analysts, the global mobile security market is expected to surpass $14 billion by 2017. While mobile phones used to just make phone calls and evolved to offer text messages, the devices of today offer multimedia and enterprise capabilities, which have opened the door for more threats.

"Although the productivity benefits offered to consumers and organizations, as is in the case of enterprise mobility, is undeniable, the cutting edge developments also open up new apertures for risks," the company said in a statement.

Some of the mobile security concerns associated with the new devices are viruses, malware, malicious software and the vulnerability of personal information, according to GIA.

Smartphones and tablets are both expected to continue their meteoric rise as consumers use the devices a number of ways, placing them in danger from security issues. According to research conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, smartphone shipments are projected to grow by 45 percent this year, while tablet shipments are expected to increase by 157 percent from last year.