Study: Mobile Application Security One Of Top Concerns For Organizations

According to a new study commissioned by Entrust Inc., many of today's mobile applications have limited functionality from a lack of overall security. And for mobile applications that feature transaction-based capabilities, the requirement for security is even greater, highlighting a key area of concern for deploying organizations.

Regardless of industry, organizations, retailers and financial institutions are using dedicated mobile applications -- whether Web-based or installed on a device -- to streamline transactions, build stronger customer relationships and enable new capabilities and services. Entrust's survey, "Security's Role in Deploying Transaction-Enabled Mobile Applications," suggests that more and more organizations are developing or considering the use of mobile applications if security, cost and ease-of-use requirements can be properly balanced.

"While the use of mobile applications continues to gain momentum, most still lack the same functionality as traditional Web-based services and offerings," said Entrust president and CEO Bill Conner. "One of the primary reasons for limiting their access stem from concerns about security. Strong authentication is a key element to properly securing any mobile application -- an important step to move us past the norm of weak usernames and passwords."

The Ziff Davis study found that application security was a top concern, regardless of whether or not the organization had deployed any transactional mobile applications in the past. Specifically, more than 50 percent of organizations that had not deployed such applications ranked it as one of their top three concerns, and more than 40 percent of those that had deployed these applications continued to rank it as a key concern.

From an adoption standpoint, the survey discovered that nearly 80 percent of organizations offer online transactions via their Web site. Many of these organizations, however, do not yet offer this same capability to mobile users. Those that do, only 31 percent of the online services and capabilities are available via the mobile platform.

Per the study, "Organizations clearly recognize the perceptions around security, and the potential impact with users. Fifty percent of those that have already deployed transactional mobile applications factor the security message very prominently in the messaging around their products and services."

A secure mobile application can also be leveraged to help circumvent today's biggest malware threats, including man-in-the-browser attacks. By properly layering security, secure mobile applications can be reinforced as true transaction-based platforms that equal the functionality of their traditional PC-based Web counterparts.

"There's a clear opportunity for organizations to offer secure, convenient mobile applications to their customers -- if properly supported with security from a vendor that is trusted in the security market and has proven solutions in a variety of spaces," said Conner. "Further, on-device security applications can now be used to help prevent malware from defrauding users, including man-in-the-browser attacks which are successfully targeting today's organizations and financial institutions."

Innovative security vendors may also offer financial institutions a dedicated mobile security application that allows the user to confirm details from online transactions out-of-band and generate a corresponding one-time passcode (OTP). This approach helps alleviate one of the weakest online authentication practices in use today (username and password) and addresses one of the biggest threats: man-in-the-browser attacks.

Drilling deeper, specific security-related concerns were top of mind for organizations. These ranged from data encryption and protection, authentication, and the weakness of mobile device security features, to more general concerns such as the disregard for security issues by users.

The Entrust survey was carried out by Ziff Davis in conjunction with The Strategy Group. Data was collected from December 2009 to January 2010 via a random sampling of IT buyers with firms that employed more than 100 personnel.

 

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.