LONDON, Jun 27, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Security has always been one of the forefront considerations within the mobile device industry. BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM), for example, gained the attention of Wall Street bankers because of the financial industry's need for high levels of data protection and security, along with the convenience of mobile use. A lot of talk in the mobile industry focuses around software security through detection and preventative applications; however, very little seems to be said on embedded mobile device hardware security.
Valued at approximately $430 million in 2012, the mobile device hardware security market will be worth $1.9 billion by 2017. The bulk of the market is attributed to embedded chip security consisting of embedded chip security technology -- such as ARM's TrustZone -- and other semiconductor companies' security solutions. Revenues generated by secure elements for near field communication (NFC) and biometric sensors are also factored into the mix, though relatively small compared to embedded chip security. This will change, however, in the next two years.
"The primary drivers for embedded chip security are increasing demand of mobile payment transactions, digital rights management, enterprise protection, and control access to the device," says Joshua Flood, senior analyst, devices, applications & content. Additionally, semiconductor companies will add further security features onto ARM's TrustZone technology, such as advanced security options for content or platform protection.
Presently, revenues generated from NFC secure elements are a small segment of the mobile device security market. In 2011, only 7% of smartphones had NFC capabilities. Nevertheless, an increase in point of sale (POS) transactions, such as purchasing coffee, transportation vouchers, or even cinema tickets, will increase the number of NFC smartphones. It is estimated that more than 60 smartphone models with NFC capability are available now. Within the next two years, NFC security will account for half of mobile device hardware security revenues.
ABI Research's report, "Mobile Device Security ( http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1003491 )," provides details on the market for biometric sensors in smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops.
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research's worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com , or call +1.516.624.2500.
SOURCE: ABI Research
