Mobile security threats may not be as serious in the mobile payments space as they seem
Security has become a major concern in the mobile commerce space, but security firm Kaspersky Labs suggest that security may not be as big of a problem as some would claim. The firm notes that there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of mobile malware, especially in the banking sector. The security issues that exist in the mobile payments space, however, are still “fairly minimal,” suggesting that mobile commerce may be a much safer space than some believe it to be.
Mobile payments are not exposed to the same security threats as the banking sector
Kaspersky Labs notes that consumers participating in mobile commerce are not experiencing the same risks as those that are on traditional devices, such as laptops or desktop computers. This has to do with the relative youth of the mobile commerce sector. Because this sector is still in a state of infancy, malicious software has not yet had an opportunity to thrive therein. By comparison, the banking sector is quite old and has been involved in the technology space for several years now and this time has allowed malicious groups to focus their efforts on certain vulnerable areas.
New trends are emerging that could compromise mobile security
While mobile payments may not be exposed to serious risks, there are still dangerous trends emerging in this space. Phishing Trojans are becoming more common in the mobile space. These malicious programs are designed to obtain the personal information of their targets, gaining access to bank accounts and exploiting other financial information. Such programs are likely to become more common and more sophisticated as the mobile commerce space matures.
Consumers can take steps to protect themselves and their important information
Consumers can keep themselves and their information safe through a variety of measures. Using anti-virus applications from reputable organizations, such as Kaspersky Labs, can help people protect themselves from malware. The increasing prevalence of biometric technology may also introduce more security to the mobile commerce space. This technology leverages biological information, such as a fingerprint, to protect a mobile device.
Retailers are becoming more mobile-centric as a result of emerging trends
New trends are emerging in the United Kingdom digital commerce space. A growing number of retailers are beginning to focus their efforts in the online world, finding ways to make the shopping experience more convenient for consumers. As such, they have begun embracing mobile payments, which allow consumers to make purchasing from their mobile devices in physical stores and online. This move toward mobile-centric commerce is being encouraged by consumers that are beginning to rely on their smartphones and tablets more in daily life.
E-money is beginning to bring more convenience to the world of commerce
As consumers begin to base more of their lives on mobile technology, they are looking for ways to make their shopping experiences more convenient. This has lead to the emergence of e-money, which is the digital representation of their funds. For some, using electronic money is considered safer and faster than using physical forms of payment. Digital currency is also more easily managed by some consumers, which makes it a more attractive option than physical currencies. E-money is becoming particularly popular among those that favor mobile payments.
Biometric technology could help mobile payments thrive
Biometric technology is also becoming more popular in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. A recent survey from WorldPay suggests that 49% of European consumers are willing to participate in mobile transactions that are protected by biometric technology. This technology allows consumers to authenticate a transaction using their fingerprints or other biologic information, such as their voice. A growing number of retailers and banks in the United Kingdom are beginning to embrace this technology because of the security it can bring to the mobile payments space.
UK retailers want to mimic the mobile success of their US counterparts
These trends are likely to bolster the attractiveness of mobile payments in the United Kingdom. Many retailers in the UK have taken note of the success that their counterparts in the United States have found in their mobile efforts. Many of these retailers are following the example of those in the United States, making efforts to become more mobile-friendly.