VeriSign Diving Into Mobile Security

VeriSign Diving Into Mobile Security
Author: Eric Everson

This week VeriSign announced the arrival of their new mobile app: VIP Access. The application is designed to create a more secure environment for online transactions via the existing VeriSign VIP Network.

While undoubtedly there is a blatant void in this area of mobile security, there remains significant opportunity for VeriSign to grow their model. Currently there are only about 40 sites that are VeriSign VIP Network partners – the most notable of which is likely eBay/PayPal. So what is this new app and how can it help you increase the security of your mobile transactions?

Essentially what the VIP Access app does is creates a platform wherein a “Credential ID” is populated. This Credential ID is much like the 30-second Secure ID technology that exists within the VPN environment wherein the user has about half of a minute to use their ID to access their intended VIP Network site.

The move into this environment is well founded and given the proper development, this could prove to be a driving platform in creating more secure payment solutions throughout the mobile environment. The obstacle to overcome is that the greatest advantage in this VeriSign solution (the 30 second secure access window) could also be the added inconvenience that keeps people from adopting this app like they should. If you have ever fought with the Secure ID codes in the VPN environment, you are all too familiar with the urgency that is required – now compound that with the processing environment of the handset and mobile network and I’m sure you can see how 30 seconds is gone before you know it. On the other side of this however, the 30 second window creates a better level of user protection as even the most sophisticated mobile spyware would have a hard time executing within such a restricted timeframe.

Overall, I think that this is a great move by VeriSign and I look for this to be a growth opportunity for them into the mobile security sector. As I can vouch as the founder of MyMobiSafe.com, they will face many unique hurdles in this environment with a B2C approach. I suspect that as the VIP Network continues to gain persuasive new partners this will also act as a gateway of adoption for the VIP Access app. I encourage everyone to check out this app the next time you want to do some mobile auction shopping via eBay; you might find that you like the added security as you make your mobile purchases.

Keeping you informed with the developments of mobile security…

Eric Everson – The MobileTech

Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.