Android facing mounting mobile security threats
The Android platform is being aggressively targeted by hackers from all over the world, causing major mobile security concerns for thousands upon thousands of consumers. More than 350,000 unique malware applications were recently discovered on Google Play, many of which were downloaded by a massive number of consumers. Mobile security is quickly becoming a very important subject for Android users, and Trend Micro, a leading Internet security firm, has launched a new update to its mobile security suite, providing more protection to consumers.
Mobile Security 3.0 launched by Trend Micro
Trend Micro has launched Mobile Security 3.0, a security application specifically designed for the Android platform. The application boasts of several features that aim to keep a consumer as safe as possible. One such feature is the application’s ability to scan other applications for malicious content. Any such content detected by the application can be quarantined so that it does not infect the rest of a user’s mobile device. The application also allows users to backup their important information on a cloud network, keeping it safe from those that would exploit such information. This data can be retrieved easily when necessary.
New security application allows users to wipe their mobile devices remotely
Malicious applications are not the only threat in mobile security. Smartphones and tablets are very popular targets for theft and many people often have their mobile devices snatched from their hands while in public. Mobile Security 3.0 accounts for these threats by giving consumers the ability to remove all data from their mobile device remotely, rendering stolen smartphones and tablets virtually useless in terms of information exploitation and identity theft.
Application includes privacy scanner for social media
Unlike some other mobile security application, the latest offering from Trend Micro also provide users with a privacy scanner for social networking. This scanning can identify any privacy risks that may exist in a person’s Facebook account and recommend settings that can keep a user’s information secure. The Mobile Security 3.0 application is available for approximately $30 on Google Play, but a free trial version of the application is also available to Android users.
Retail industry beginning to see an impact from mobile payments
The retail industry has come to a crossroad wherein it must discover the best way to engage consumers from around the world. Technology has played a major role in bringing the industry to this crossroad, especially as the Internet came to determine how successful many retailers would become in the future. The advent of mobile technology sparked evolution within the retail industry, and now the rise of mobile commerce is having the same effect. The future of the retail industry is beginning to look almost entirely dependent on mobile technology and retailers that shirk the mobile space may be setting themselves up to fail in the near future.
Retailers must focus more on mobile engagement
Mobile payments are quickly becoming more common around the world. Branding Brands CEO Christopher Mason notes that the retail industry is becoming more acclimated to the mobile space, largely due to the demands coming from consumers. Despite some interest from retailers, however, Mason suggests that most in the industry lack appropriate enthusiasm when it comes to mobile payments. Mason notes that of the 500 retailers in the world, only 40% have mobile consumer interfaces, which means many of these retailers are not providing an enjoyable experience to mobile consumer, who may soon determine the fate of these retail companies with the power held in their mobile wallets.
Wal-Mart takes note of the popularity of mobile devices
Wendy Bergh, senior director of mobile and digital strategy for Wal-Mart, notes that much of her focus in recent years has been on in-store experiences and how they can be improved through the use of mobile applications. Bergh suggests that applications are an ideal way to get consumers into physical stores, by offering these consumers discounts and services that are exclusive to physical stores and the applications used therein. Wal-Mart is currently developing a scanning application that will allow consumers to find products and purchase these products directly from their mobile device.
Mobile payments may soon dominate retail industry
Mobile payments may soon come to dictate the future of the retail industry. Consumers have shown some reluctance in participating in mobile commerce, largely due to security concerns. Many of the concerns that consumers have, however, are being addressed through the development of new mobile payments services that are more secure than their predecessors. As mobile commerce becomes more secure, it is becoming increasingly likely that consumers will favor mobile payments over traditional forms of commerce.
