Tag: mobile security

Privacy a growing concern in mobile payments field

| April 24, 2013

Mobile Payments privacyPersonal data and how it is collected to cause problems for mobile payments

Data is extremely valuable in the mobile world. There are many kinds of data that can be considered valuable, from sales figures to marketing engagement, but the most important data in the mobile space is a consumer’s personal information. Typically, this information is considered private in the physical world, but is available in abundance online. Mobile payments, marketing, games, and a vast multitude of other mobile-centric activities collect this personal information for one purpose or another. Privacy is quickly becoming one of the most significant issues facing mobile consumers today.

Survey highlights consumer attitude concerning privacy

MEF, a global trade association, has released a new report entitled “Global Privacy Survey 2013.” The report highlights the attitude that consumers have regarding privacy and how their personal information may be being used in the mobile space. Data has helped the mobile world becomes more defined, providing developers with ways to create new, more intuitive mobile applications. Usually, these applications can either be purchased or attained for free, but a growing number of applications, especially those involving mobile payments, are beginning to exchange services for the acquisition of personal information.

Most consumers want to know how their data is being used

According to the survey, only 37% of consumers feel comfortable with sharing personal data with a mobile application. The majority of consumers consider knowing what kind of information an application is collecting to be important and 71% of consumers want to know how their information is being used. It is common for personal information to be sold to advertisers so that more targeted marketing campaigns can be fashioned. Mobile applications are not expressly required to inform consumers that their personal data is being collected in many countries around the world.

Mobile payments may not thrive if privacy is not addressed

Privacy is a major concern where mobile payments are concerned. Mobile commerce involves the trafficking of a consumer’s financial information, which, if stolen, can be exploited and cause significant monetary damage to a consumer. Mobile payments are becoming very popular among consumers, but if mobile commerce applications cannot become more secure, they may not have a future with consumers.

Mobile payments to become more secure in the Middle East

| April 17, 2013

Mobile Payments Security Middle EastAxiom sets sights on security for mobile payments and beyond

Axiom Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the Middle East, has announced an exclusive partnership with NQ Mobile, a leading developer of security software. Through this partnership, Axiom aims to provide more protection to its Android customers, especially when it comes to the issue of mobile payments. Mobile payments are growing in popularity in the Middle East, especially among affluent consumers in the United Arab Emirates. Security, however, is a major concern for many as their financial information could be at risk of theft and exploitation.

NQ Mobile Security available to Axiom Android customers

Through this new partnership, Axiom Android customers will be able to take advantage of NQ Mobile Security, one of NQ Mobile’s most popular security offerings. This security suite will come pre-loaded on all new Android devices sold by Axiom. Consumers that already have Android devices through Axiom will be able to access the security suite in order to protect their mobile devices from the various threats that exist in the digital world. The suite protects a mobile device against malware, spyware, phishing attempts, viruses, hacking, and other threats that could access a consumer’s information.

Mobile payments continue to face significant threats

As mobile payments become more common, the threats that exist in the digital world are becoming more pronounced. These threats are gaining more attention because of the dangers they pose to a consumer’s financial information. NQ Mobile notes that the number of threats specifically targeting the mobile commerce sector is on the rise and that there is no sign of these threats diminishing any time soon. In order to protect a user’s financial information, the NQ Mobile Security suite also features an anti-theft and anti-loss service. This service will locate, lock, and terminate the digital information that is stored on a mobile device if it is reported as lost or stolen. The device will also sound an alarm in order to signal that it has been stolen.

Axiom seeks to spread awareness of mobile security

Axiom is working to bring more security to the mobile world. Awareness concerning mobile security, especially in regards to mobile payments, is somewhat lacking in the mobile space. Axiom is hoping to address this issue through awareness and by making robust security solutions more available to consumers.