Gartner Reports BYOD Initiatives Will Drive New Consumer Mobile Security Opportunities

A new Gartner report indicates that consumers are presently unwilling to purchase antivirus and other protection for mobile devices. However, as BYOD becomes more prevalent for enterprises, opportunities could increase for companies that provide ways to secure mobile devices.

Gartner reports that by 2015, 30 percent of criteria for consumer mobile products will be related to security issues. Companies that provide security solutions will need to consider pricing models that reflect the lower price point expectations that consumers expect as compared to enterprise security solutions. Also, gender, age and IT proficiency will be factors in consumer demand. Younger age groups will be more open to a free product offering when compared to ages 50 plus, who are more concerned about security issues and are willing to pay for this protection.

What is our take? Heightened security awareness could benefit Apple and Blackberry particularly in the long term. Apple’s app market is perceived by many as more secure than the other markets. Apple’s control over its mobile hardware and iOS could leverage its acceptability as a preferred mobile solution from a security standpoint. Blackberry, who still has some residual image as a enterprise friendly, could see consumer growth based on BYOD policies, if it can convince users and enterprises that it is a top choice as a viable and security alternative for mobile.