Biometric security is expected to move from an 'interesting concept' to a 'must have' for all smart mobile devices (SMDs).
This is according to Alan Goode, whose findings are published in a report titled “Mobile Phone Biometric Security Analysis and Forecasts 2011-2015”. In the report, Goode predicts that biometric security products and services will grow to over $161 million in revenue by 2015. This compares to just over $30 million in 2011.
Goode Intelligence attributes this growth to the rise in SMD sales, as well as the resulting need for device protection.
The company says SMDs have become the personal device of choice, with sales of SMDs exceeding those of PCs. Moreover, the 'bring your own device' trend results in a need for enhanced security as SMDs are being used more often for consumer and business-sensitive activities.
Goode Intelligence says biometric security, coupled with SMDs, opens up new opportunities. These include device protection, replacing specialised biometric equipment and identity verification for mobile payments.
The company says biometric security can be used as an alternative for device protection, arguing research shows that PINs and pattern-based identification are not sufficient to protect SMDs against even novice attacks. The company also argues that biometric security can be used to replace identification and authentication technology because it does not rely on expensive specialist hardware, such as tokens and smartcards.
Furthermore, according to Goode Intelligence, biometric security can be used for identity verification to support the NFC-based mobile commerce industry, including mobile payments at the point of sale.
OEMs turn to biometrics
Goode Intelligence says original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are turning to mobile biometric solutions to improve 'light' authentication techniques. The company says these include Google's face unlock solution for Android 4.0.
The company adds that Google is expected to support voice recognition for Android. Goode Intelligence says Fujitsu's entry into the European SMD market is being heavily marketed on its strengths in NFC, as well as its support for mobile biometric security. Finally, the company says there is speculation about biometric support for Apple's next-generation iPhone 5.
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