Around 1.3 billion mobile devices, including smartphones, feature phones and tablets are expected to have mobile security software installed by 2018, according to a report from Juniper Research.
While this may sound like a large number, it means that 80% of the total devices are expected to remain unprotected, while 325 million mobile devices are expected to deploy security measures this year.
The low level of adoption of security software is due to low consumer awareness about online attack on mobile devices and a widespread consumer perception that the price of security products is more.
The report revealed that the security risks increasing due to growth of mobile malware over the last two years.
Cyber criminals are shifting their focus from PCs onto the mobile platforms across enterprise and consumer segments, the report said.
Increase in consumer awareness has driven the growth in product adoption levels during second half of 2012 that has resulted in more than expected service revenues.
More enterprises are adopting security products due to increases in IT budgets and greater implementation of security policies as well as security products combined with training for employees.
With the adoption of BYOD policies, the report expects that a single policy or measure may not be sufficient and a unified perspective on mobile platform risks is critical.
