Weak Mobile Security Poses Enterprise Threat

Weak Mobile Security Poses Enterprise Threat

Few Consumers Secure Mobile Devices

The average IT-savvy consumer has five or more devices at home connected to the Internet, but is far less likely to install antivirus software on mobile phones, tablets, and gaming systems than on laptops and desktops.

Rise of Mobile Spells Opportunity for Security Vendors

As mobile devices gain in mass popularity and as security becomes a higher priority, new market opportunities are likely to emerge.

What Percentage Use Antivirus Software?

More than 90% of respondents have antivirus software installed on laptops and desktops. 75% of those who own phone tablets, mobile phones, or gaming systems have not installed antivirus software on those devices.

Who Will Buy Antivirus Software?

18- to 34-year-olds are more likely to seek free antivirus software than those over 50, who are more particular about security and therefore more likely to buy antivirus packages.

Licensed Versus Free Security

Because consumers own several devices, multi-device licensing could be attractive, but many will expect ISPs and device manufacturers to pre-install security. Alternatively, they will opt for unpaid products, like freeware.

Gartner’s Recommendations

Assess alternative delivery models, like free or freemium stand-alone non-security tools and utilities in app stores, to gain a foothold in client devices in the evolving mobile consumer market space.

Introduce Multi-Device Licensing

Consider introducing multi-device licenses for PCs and mobile devices to cover increasing demand for security offers on mobile.

Educate Users About Mobile Security

Educate users about the security threats to unprotected mobile devices. And provide incentives for the enterprise to distribute consumer security products to employees and reasons for employees to accept client security products.

Offer Secure Options

Offer alternative delivery models, such as cloud-based app stores.

Integrate Your Tools

Start integrating social network identities into your enterprise identity and access management offerings. And integrate consumer products with enterprise management consoles to enable status reporting from rogue consumer devices.

Create Partnerships

Partner with mobile application providers through app wrapping, which involves applying a management layer to a mobile app.