The greater implementation of mobile technology, while offering productivity benefits, also brings the corresponding risk of vulnerability to cyber crimes. This is a huge, pan-vertical threat to organisations that use wireless technologies.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Mobile Virtual Private Network (VPN) Products Market, finds that the market earned revenues of approximately $90 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach around $515 million in 2014.
“Today, the ability to access the Internet through enhanced wireless technologies has allowed the usage of various applications within the mobile device,” says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Martha Vazquez.
As the number of mobile workers increases, more wireless devices are used across different wireless networks. However, there continues to be much confusion on the security front, with enterprises yet to decide on ways to secure their networks. Adding mobile devices to the puzzle increases the complexity of the problem.
Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge regarding wireless security products. Higher focus on education and marketing is needed for organisations to become familiar with new technology trends.
Currently, security for the mobile worker’s transactions can be provided by a mobile VPN. This type of network uses various methods such as tunneling and firewalls, apart from encryption to secure the network.
Mobile VPN vendors could also promote the superior connectivity benefits of their service to attract more customers. Their services allow users to remain connected even when roaming. They also offer seamless transitions of applications wherein there is no need for the user to re-login to a particular application because they have moved to a different network. This enhances employee productivity and generates customer satisfaction. Mobile VPN providers need to develop this theme in their marketing campaigns as well.
There is an increase in the spread of wireless technologies, both geographically and by bandwidth. Public hotspots and Wi-Fi are becoming more popular as many people migrate to mobile devices. Cellular companies too are increasing coverage to reduce gaps. These developments are likely to boost the use of mobile VPNs.
“Mobile VPN vendors also need to continue broadening the features available on mobile VPN to continue to maintain product strength,” explains Vazquez. “They need to focus on marketing the return on investment (RoI) benefits and to continue key partnerships within the mobile market.”