Rumors about the next Apple smartphone are flying and they include a number of additions.
The latest predictions about the iPhone 5S have been claiming that Apple will finally be including NFC technology in its device, and that it will be combined with a fingerprint reader for added mobile security.
This new pair of features could allow Apple to support payments with a great deal of added security.
Neither the rumors about the inclusion of NFC technology or of the fingerprint reader are new, but they are becoming increasingly prevalent in the predictions for the iPhone 5S. Both of those features had been predicted for the iPhone 5 release, but it looked as though the manufacturer was seeking further development before they were to be included in a release.
NFC technology has been long awaited from Apple mobile devices
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst from KGI, it is expected that the fingerprint reader will be built directly into the newest device’s home button. In addition to this prediction, the latest rumor from China, through Macotakara, has said that it is also the manufacturer’s intention to enable the iPhone 5S with NFC technology – a feature that was notably lacking from their last smartphone release.
This would allow the new smartphone to support mobile payments at any of the growing number of retailers and merchants that are already supporting mobile payments based on NFC technology. The security for the use of that type of transaction could be heightened if combined with the use of the fingerprint reader under the device home button.
In 2012, Apple purchased Authentec for $356 million, which would allow the company to add fingerprint reading to its devices for greater security levels. Authentec had already established itself as an expert in mobile biometric security even before it was acquired.
As security has been a considerable barrier to the use of mobile payments by consumers, the addition of the combination of the fingerprint reading with the NFC technology might make the difference in allowing consumers to feel more comfortable and secure in using their devices in place of a loyalty, credit or debit card for making a purchase while shopping in store.
Android facing mounting mobile security threats
The Android platform is being aggressively targeted by hackers from all over the world, causing major mobile security concerns for thousands upon thousands of consumers. More than 350,000 unique malware applications were recently discovered on Google Play, many of which were downloaded by a massive number of consumers. Mobile security is quickly becoming a very important subject for Android users, and Trend Micro, a leading Internet security firm, has launched a new update to its mobile security suite, providing more protection to consumers.
Mobile Security 3.0 launched by Trend Micro
Trend Micro has launched Mobile Security 3.0, a security application specifically designed for the Android platform. The application boasts of several features that aim to keep a consumer as safe as possible. One such feature is the application’s ability to scan other applications for malicious content. Any such content detected by the application can be quarantined so that it does not infect the rest of a user’s mobile device. The application also allows users to backup their important information on a cloud network, keeping it safe from those that would exploit such information. This data can be retrieved easily when necessary.
New security application allows users to wipe their mobile devices remotely
Malicious applications are not the only threat in mobile security. Smartphones and tablets are very popular targets for theft and many people often have their mobile devices snatched from their hands while in public. Mobile Security 3.0 accounts for these threats by giving consumers the ability to remove all data from their mobile device remotely, rendering stolen smartphones and tablets virtually useless in terms of information exploitation and identity theft.
Application includes privacy scanner for social media
Unlike some other mobile security application, the latest offering from Trend Micro also provide users with a privacy scanner for social networking. This scanning can identify any privacy risks that may exist in a person’s Facebook account and recommend settings that can keep a user’s information secure. The Mobile Security 3.0 application is available for approximately $30 on Google Play, but a free trial version of the application is also available to Android users.
