Complex malware and BYOD drive mobile security

Mobile malware has advanced to a new level of sophistication as smart devices continue to gain ground. The number of unique mobile threats grew by 261% in just two quarters.

Increasingly complex malware is taking advantage of a wider range of mobile functionalities to exploit vulnerabilities on the device and in the network. Organizations allowing BYOD policies and without proper mobile device management capabilities are at great risk from covert interception and corruption.

More than simple security applications, the demand for specialized services is driving the market for mobile security; network security, managed and professional services are set to become the biggest category for business-to-business mobile security.

Bundled network security which includes unified threat management, deep packet inspections, virtual private networks, and remote device management will become increasingly important. The driving markets in mobile security are concentrating on services for mobile device, identity and authentication management, as well as for audits, certification, and consulting.

ABI Research estimates the current Mobile Security Services market to total $1.88 billion by the end of 2013, by far dominating both the Mobile Device and Mobile Application Security markets. “Isolated and standalone security solutions will work for the individual consumer, but for organizational applications and carriers, mobile security services will take the lead,” says Michela Menting, ABI Research’s senior analyst in cyber security.

The market will offer significant opportunities for vendors targeting mobile network operators as well as businesses. Vendors such as Adaptive Mobile and F-Secure are well-placed to consolidate their position for carrier-grade security solutions.

Players offering highly-innovative solutions in niche markets include Aujas Networks (India) with professional services and Zimperium (Israel) for mobile IDS/UTM.