According to Gartner, by 2016, 30 per cent of the organisations are expected to use biometric authentication on mobile devices. Currently, worldwide only five per cent of the organisations are using biometric authentication through mobile devices
Gartner states that mobile users strongly resist authentication methods which have been widely used on personal computers. However, since, organisations need to enhance and ensure secure access on mobile devices, security managers must meet users? expectations and take into account the user experience without comprising security.
The research firm has identified potential security impact of the consumerisation of IT, and has made recommendations for IT security managers to address users? concerns regarding security. Gartner points out that user expectations of a secure and simple mobile user experience often outweigh security concerns. Data protected by passwords and other security measures on personal computers (PCs) is more vulnerable to security threats on mobile devices. Most of the organisations require robust passwords on laptops, smartphones and tablet to protect critical data with strong security measures in place. The increasing number of devices at workplace is also contributing to higher vulnerability of critical information to potential security threats.
Further, implementation of standard power-on password policies is becoming much more complex with greater adoption of bring your own devices at workplaces. Currently, support for robust power-on authentication is inadequate, with only a few mobile operating systems and devices supporting biometric authentication. Going forward, organisations are required to introduce stronger security measures to protect users from potential security threats.
