Mobile security market to reach $890 million by 2011

Security appliances and software sold to service providers to protect their mobile networks will total $889 million in worldwide sales by 2011, says a new report from market research firm Infonetics Research. Infonetics’s report, “Security Appliances and Software for Mobile Networks Market Outlook,” tracks integrated security appliances above and below $30,000, network-based intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) products, and content security gateways.

The report says that while overall service provider capital expenditures (capex) is expected to be flat for the next two years owing to regular investment cycles and potential cuts due to the state of the global economy, spending on security solutions for mobile networks has plenty of headroom for growth through 2011. Jeff Wilson, principal analyst for network security at Infonetics Research, said:

The growing numbers of mobile subscribers, particularly those accessing the Internet, are generating huge traffic increases on mobile networks, forcing service providers to upgrade capacity across the board, especially in backhaul networks and data centers. But while providers are driven by capacity upgrades to move to faster security solutions, it’s hackers who cause the fundamental need for security. In 2008 we saw a dramatic increase in mobile threat activity (albeit from a small base), with over 400% growth in the number of Trojans seen in the wild for Symbian and Windows Mobile alone. Security investments for mobile networks are critical, and can’t afford to be cut even under fairly dire financial circumstances — a sentiment echoed by many service providers we’ve spoken to.

Other highlights from the report:

• 34 percent of 2008 worldwide mobile security revenue will come from integrated security appliances priced under $30,000; 30 percent will come from content security gateways; 21% from IDS/IPS products; and 15 percent from integrated security appliances priced at $30,000 and above
• In 2008, Asia Pacific will account for the largest share of total mobile security revenue (37 percent), followed closely by the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa)
• Internet friendly smartphones like iPhones, Windows Mobile phones, and Android-based phones are driving consolidation in the OS market and creating a large number of enticing targets for hackers

Infonetics’ report provides market size, forecasts, analysis, technology roadmaps, and more for security appliances and software sold to service providers for mobile networks.