Mobile device hardware security expected to boom in 2017

Security has always been a priority of mobile device manufacturers. For instance, Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the BlackBerry, gained Wall Street banker's attention due to the demand for high levels of data protection and security, along with the convenience of mobile use. Majority of the discussions in the mobile industry have been focused around software security through detection and preventative applications. However, little focus has been given to embedded mobile device hardware security

The mobile device hardware security market is currently valued at approximately $430 million. It is projected that by 2017, the market will have grown and will be worth $1.9 billion. The market is currently largely made up of embedded chip security consisting of embedded chip security technology, such as ARM's TrustZone, and other semiconductor companies' security solutions. Other factors considered are revenues generated by secure elements for near field communication (NFC) and biometric sensors. However, this landscape will have changed 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.

Joshua Flood, a senior analyst at ABI Research, stated that 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. Semiconductor companies also plan to add further security features onto ARM's TrustZone technology, such as advanced security options for content or platform protection.