Cabling Installation & Maintenance - Researcher: Proliferation of wireless data forms new security market

Wireless carriers are expanding their data services, and more consumer and business devices are supporting wireless connectivity. There are a number of security risks associated with wireless data, which has driven the creation of a new wireless security market. Most easily addressable within the wireless security market is wireless device security. In-Stat/MDR (www.instat.com) expects that wireless device security will be a top area of concern for consumers, wireless carriers, and network administrators, as all groups have a stake in the stability and security of the devices. The main challenge in securing wireless devices, according to the high-tech market research firm, is determining whose job it is to secure these devices.

Smartphones, normally sold through service providers, are usually considered consumer devices. However, like with the consumer PC market, the average consumer user lacks understanding of how an why to secure their device. Many consumers may demand data security from their service providers and device manufacturers. Meanwhile, corporate IT administrators are torn between the benefits of offering added mobility via wireless devices and the security risks associated with wireless deployment and management.

Additionally, wireless networks are complicating the security equation, as devices that once were predominantly corporate in nature are now also accessing wireless data networks via hotspots and public areas. These wireless users may be providing malicious users with a backdoor into corporate networks. Additionally, companies that have deployed wireless networks require additional security layers, as existing security measures built into the wireless standards are weak. Wireless LAN security gateways and wireless intrusion-detection systems have been developed to provide encryption for corporate wireless data and to identify potential hackers to the wireless network.

In-Stat/MDR's new report, "Wireless Security," addresses these issues. In its research, the firm found the following.

Within wireless security, there are three addressable markets: Wireless Infrastructure Security, Wireless Device Security, and Wireless LAN Security. Together these segments are poised to reach $8.4 billion by 2008.

Wireless devices create security vulnerabilities as carriers of malicious data into corporate networks, in addition to being attacked unto themselves.

Laptops, phones, and PDAs are the most common devices accessing wireless networks, and by far, they are the most at-risk within the forecast period. However, the number of devices that can be wirelessly enabled is limitless, and as such, the market for wirless security is expected to evolve beyond these communication devices.

The study analyzes the worldwide market for wireless security products, ranging from wireless security at the infrastructure, wireless device security, and enterprise wireless LAN security. It costs $3,495; more information is available at this Web site.

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