Mobile security software set to surge

Businesses and individuals to finally begin taking mobile security seriously after NotW hacks, says Juniper Research

The mobile security software market is expected to grow by 600 per cent by 2016, according to mobile research firm Juniper Research.

Revenue from security software for smartphones and tablets will reach almost $3.7bn (£2.28bn) within five years, by which time enterprise and business sales will account for almost 69 per cent of the market.

Security software has failed to take off on mobile devices in the same way it has for PCs and laptops; currently fewer than one in 20 smartphones and tablets have third-party security software installed.

However, according to Juniper Research, the recent spate of high-profile security alerts, including the News of the World hacking scandal, has heightened the public's awareness of the vulnerability of mobile devices.

Juniper recommends that enterprise and IT managers audit the security status of their corporate mobile device deployments and take remedial action where necessary.

"Enterprise users are in the front line against potential security breaches through insufficient mobile security and companies need to incorporate mobile network-connected devices into the corporate network since this is the easiest way to enforce policies and audit such devices," said research analyst Nitin Bhas.