Report predicts rise in malware, 95 pct of smartphones, tablets vulnerable

A new report from Juniper Research has found that only 5 percent of smartphones and tablet devices globally come with security software installed, and this, despite the steadily increasing threat from malware, fraud and device theft.

The report forecasts that both corporate and personal users will begin to recognise the need to protect their data and that the demand for mobile security products will increase over the next five years. Projecting the increase and putting it in perspective, the report adds that it will go up to a point where one in five mobile devices will be protected by third party security software.

Malware set to rise? (Image credit: Getty Images)

Among the report's key findings is that rising malware attacks on phones aside, the risk of crimes such as identity theft will largely motivate users to adopt mobile security software. It highlighted further that instances of device loss or theft affected both consumer and corporate markets and it is on this premise that the demand for security solutions in both sectors will increase.

The new report titled, Mobile Security Strategies: Threats, Solutions & Market Forecasts 2012-2017, found that with increase in security threats, users become more aware of these issues. Interestingly, the report mentions of mobile operators and device vendors integrating key security features such as ‘Track the Device' or 'Lock and Wipe’ into their product offerings for customers.

Report author Nitin Bhas notes: “Bundling mobile security apps along with other managed services will not only provide incremental revenue for the service providers, but will also help them guarantee better customer satisfaction and churn”.

Among its other key findings, the report shared that the number of protected consumer devices will overtake protected enterprise devices by 2015, driven by BYOD trends. It added that employee-owned smartphones and tablets used in the enterprise will touch almost 350 million by 2014. 

In a report that McAfee released in June, this year, it found that while India may have low PC penetration, it is ahead of leading nations, like Japan and U.S, in terms of PC security. This survey was conducted by analysing the data from voluntary scans on an average 27-28 million PCs per month to determine the estimate of the number of consumers with basic security worldwide. Here, basic security means a working anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall installed on a PC. 

According to the survey, Finland grabbed the top spot for basic security solution with 90.3 percent, followed by Italy and Germany with 86.2 percent and 85.55 percent, respectively. India takes the 14^th position with 82.67 percent and China appears three steps lower at 17^th place with 82 percent, followed by Japan, US and Singapore.

Among other key finds, the study stated that usually people install trial versions of security of software, and do not realise that once the trial period is over, one has to subscribe to the paid version. Some also disable their PC security on purpose if it is causing hindrance to playing online games. Further, the report suggests that security software is the best defence against cyber crime.