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
In 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.
Rumors suggest that Alibaba is making its own game console
Alibaba, one of China’s largest online retailers and mobile commerce giants, may be on the verge of breaking into the game industry. According to analysis from Niko Partners, a market research firm, the company is reportedly developing its own game console, which will compete with the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. Alibaba has not yet announced plans for such an endeavor, but the company has been expanding into various new sectors in recent years, including mobile commerce.
Console would compete with those coming to China from other countries
Niko Partners suggests that Alibaba could release a gaming console as early as next year, but there are not any details concerning such a project that are readily available. If this rumor proves to be true, Alibaba could become a major disruptor in the game industry, offering new competition that has not existed in that market for several years. China’s game market is expected to grow rapidly in the near future, as the Chinese government has lifted its ban on foreign consoles being sold in the country.
Microsoft and Sony could face major competition if Alibaba develops its own console
Lifting this ban means that Microsoft and Sony can bring their consoles to China. These consoles are expected to perform relatively well in these Chinese market, as they will face modest competition with domestic console developers. If Alibaba does enter into the game industry, however, Microsoft and Sony may have a significant fight on their hands. Moreover, Alibaba is a global company, which means that its console would not be restricted to the Chinese market for long, if it manages to find any success to begin with.
Alibaba could bring mobile commerce services to consoles in the future
A game console from Alibaba could make use of the various services and platforms that the company has designed. It is becoming more common for mobile devices to be integrated into game consoles, allowing people to play games on their smartphones or make use of other digital services. Alibaba could include some mobile commerce features into its potential game console.
