Category: Mobile Security

Mobile commerce may have a bright future

Mobile Commerce Bright FutureMobile commerce is picking up momentum

Mobile commerce is growing rapidly and that growth does not appear to be slowing down any time soon. The current state of mobile commerce suggests a bright future, largely due to the proliferation of mobile technology and the perceived convenience of mobile payments. Indeed, mobile devices are beginning to become more popular than PCs. According to a study conducted by  the International Telecommunications Union, as of August 2012, more than 7 billion mobile devices were operating all over the world, exceeding the number of active PCs by three times.

Mobile sales to reach new heights in near future

A recent study from Abi Research suggests that mobile commerce will reach $119 billion by 2015. This is roughly 8% of the current e-commerce market. E-commerce is still considered to be a powerful force, especially in the retail industry, but mobile commerce is benefiting from increased exposure and a growing number of retailers interested in engaging mobile consumers in a new form of commerce. Another study by Forrester Research suggests that mobile commerce in the U.S., in particular, will reach $31 billion by 2016.

US mobile commerce experiences aggressive growth

In the U.S., mobile commerce is experiencing a magnanimous rise to fame. More consumers are beginning to become comfortable with the concept of mobile payments, making them more likely to purchase goods and services using their smartphones or tablets. Mobile traffic to websites is on the rise, powered by growing interests in the realm of mobile marketing. Location-based services are also playing a role in encouraging consumers to participate in mobile commerce as they are able to find stores and attractions more easily, especially while traveling.

Security may derail bright future

While the current state of mobile commerce does paint a bright future, the future is, of course, unknowable. There are many challenges that face mobile commerce that could derail the burgeoning industry’s future. The most significant of these challenges, currently, is security. Without adequate security, a consumer’s financial information is at risk of theft and exploitation. The security dangers inherent in mobile commerce have kept many consumers from conducting mobile payments.

Apple introduces new mobile security feature

New Apple Mobile Security FeatureApple begins taking mobile security more seriously

Mobile security is becoming a more important issue, especially as consumers become more inclined toward mobile commerce and online shopping. Purchasing products through a mobile device is becoming more common, and the fact that smartphones and tablets are being used to traffic a large amount of financial information has not been ignored by malicious groups. In an effort to offer mroe protection to consumers, Apple has begun to take the issue of mobile security more seriously.

New security feature unveiled for iCloud and Apple ID

Apple has announced a new level of security to its iCloud and Apple ID platforms. A new, two-step verification measure has been introduced to both platforms. This measure is meant to verify the identity of a consumer and allow them to sign into their online accounts more securely. This verification will require another Apple device in order to work, however, which may create some tension between consumers and Apple.

Security feature available to those with multiple Apple devices

The new mobile security method sends a verification code to a consumer’s mobile device if they are trying to access their online account from another device. Apple suggests that this extra layer of security makes it more difficult for malicious parties to exploit a consumers information, but consumers will have to have more than one Apple device in order to benefit from this new security measure. Those without two, or more, devices from Apple will not be able to benefit from this new feature. Apple suggests that many of its loyal customers tend to have both an iPhone and an iPad, making the feature widely available.

Apple continues to work to protect consumer information

Mobile security continues to be a strong focus for Apple as the company continues to contend with malicious groups that seek the exploit the information of consumers. As mobile commerce becomes more popular, smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly attractive targets for these groups. Apple’s new mobile security feature may help mitigate instances of exploitation and identity theft and help keep consumers information safe from exploitation.