Tag: target

Mobile security may need more attention in 2015

Mobile security could be put to the test next year as digital threats increase

The past year has been somewhat turbulent in terms of security. Throughout 2014, major security breaches have become headline news and high-profile cyber attacks have highlighted a lack of security that exists in the business world, particularly when it comes to mobile technology. Mobile security is something that receives relatively little attention from consumers, but as more cyber attacks attract attention, many people may be ready to take steps to protect their mobile devices, especially if they are participating in mobile commerce.

High-profile cyber attacks highlight issues regarding mobile security

Large companies like Home Depot, JPMorgan, Target, and Sony have been hit by major cyber attacks over the past year. Hackers managed to steal millions of credit and debit card numbers from these companies, as well as other consumer information. In some cases, malicious parties were able to exploit the lackluster security of mobile services that these companies had been using. As such, the dangers that exist in the mobile commerce space have attracted more attention.

Phishing and malicious software is becoming more common

Online Mobile SecurityIn the coming year, security issues may become more pronounced. According to the Information Security Forum, the problem of mobile phishing is becoming more severe. The organization notes that it has seen a rise in the number of fake emails that alleged to be from companies like Amazon. These emails had sought to gain access to consumer shopping accounts, exploiting these accounts financially. The organization also warns that the number of free-to-use and free-to-modify software could create serious problems for mobile consumers.

Security threats may grow more pronounced, especially in the mobile commerce space

As mobile commerce grows more popular, consumers are having to take security more seriously. Because mobile commerce deals in the trafficking of financial information, it has become an attractive target for those that want to exploit such information. The number of cyber attacks is not expected to go down in 2015, so consumers may have to be more aggressive with their own protection.

Recent Target mobile commerce purchase shows serious interest in tech

The retail giant has now acquired a technology company based in Pittsburgh for its digital shopping experience.

Target Corp. has now taken another step that reveals that the retailer is getting very serious about mobile commerce, as it has purchased a company based in Pittsburgh that is known for its software platform.

The m-commerce shopping platform turns an in-store experience into something closer to Amazon.

The software platform from the company, Powered Analytics, is said to have “an Amazon-like shopping experience,” that can be provided to shoppers while they are within a brick and mortar store location. This could considerably enhance the mobile commerce offerings from Target, and could make it a more appealing experience to shoppers who enjoy the benefits of their smartphones when they shop, but who like to actually make their purchases in stores, as they always have.

The actual purchase of the mobile commerce and shopping tech platform company has been officially confirmed.

Target - Mobile CommerceThe co-founder of Powered Analytics, Collin Otis, along with a company spokesperson confirmed that the business had been acquired by the Minneapolis, Minnesota based retail giant in the second half of last week. That said, by the time that this article was written, none of the terms of the deal had yet been revealed.

What Otis did say was that the Powered Analytics, which was founded back in 2012, will keep its current headquarters, in Pittsburgh. It is the Fabric product from Powered Analytics that has drawn the attention to its door, as it brings together mobile technology with machine learning and location data in order to make it possible for a retailer’s mobile app to be able to work in tandem with the in-store shopping experience for customers.

The system converts in-store shopping into a multi-channel experience that brings together all of the advantages of mobile commerce, but with the opportunity to see and touch the actual physical and purchase it right away without having to wait for it to be shipped. This is appealing to many consumers who are already using stores to check out products while they use their devices to learn more about them, such as where to find the best price or what customer reviews have to say.