Enterprise Mobile Security: New Global Study Exposes Intrinsic Limits of Mobile Security Software, Demonstrates Need for Stronger Hardware-Based Solutions to Protect Corporate Data

PALO ALTO, CA, Apr. 20, 2015 -- CUPP Computing announced today that a survey conducted by independent research firm Decisive Analytics, LLC and commissioned by CUPP shows that across the U.S., Europe, and Asia the majority (68 percent) of enterprise IT decision makers say that preventing or mitigating targeted attacks is the single most urgent mobile security priority, followed by achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance (66 percent). Two-thirds of managers say they are satisfied with policy enforcement and compliance features provided by their current Mobile Device Management software. However, interest in stronger hardware-based solutions from CUPP is very high overall (74 percent) and they would expect to procure this kind of solution for about a third of the employee population in their companies.

Information from the survey, "Mobile Security Multinational Decision Makers Study 2015" (http://www.cuppcomputing.com/Mobile-Security-Multinational-Decision-Makers-Study), can be found below.

Mobile Security Priorities

The data clearly shows that mobile security decision makers are well aware of the need to prevent or mitigate targeted attacks (68 percent). However, achieving/maintaining regulatory compliance is a close second in terms of priorities (66 percent). Since many companies are managing multiple compliance standards, including HIPAA, EU Data Protection, PCI and more, regulatory compliance concerns are clearly a primary driver for mobile security adoption in the workplace.

"Obviously, there has been a huge increase in targeted attacks and data breaches worldwide," said CUPP Chief Executive Officer Art Swift. "With widespread adoption of the BYOD philosophy, allowing employees to use their own devices to interact with enterprise computing environments, mobile devices are becoming an attractive target for sophisticated attackers. Our enterprise customers are looking for the next level of protection for their sensitive corporate and customer data. They also need to protect their reputations and ensure regulatory compliance."

Current Mobile Security Software Deployments

Among the current security software in place at the organizations surveyed, the most commonly mentioned was traditional endpoint security (16 to 22 percent). Interestingly, a third (32 percent) of the smaller companies (< 100 employees) said they were currently without a security software solution. Established providers of endpoint security software were mentioned as among the current vendors being used by managers. Smaller and more specialized Mobile Device Management vendors were also mentioned meaning that many companies actually have mixed deployment scenarios. While almost a third of smaller companies did not have a provider, most larger companies did. Two-thirds said they were satisfied overall with their current mobile security solution. However, some described several problems with their current solution, and said they were waiting for a "more reliable" and responsive solution that would also provide stronger security over current options.

Need for Stronger Hardware-Based Security

The most telling result from the survey is the fact that mobile security professionals are well aware of the intrinsic limitations of the traditional software-based approach. The vast majority of the respondents (74 percent) are interested in a stronger hardware-based solution, such as the one developed by CUPP that is entirely independent from the host system as it relies on its own CPU, memory and hardened kernel embedded in a microSD card.

"Consumer technology is sexy, convenient and easy to use. When it comes to security, however, today's mobile platforms still have a long way to go," says Cesare Garlati, Co-Chair Mobile Group, Cloud Security Alliance. "I find CUPP's approach intriguing as it creates a hardened shell around sensitive corporate data without impacting end-user experience and privacy."

Survey Methodology

Decisive Analytics was commissioned in 2014 to conduct a series of surveys among IT decision makers in five countries: the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan. A total of 159 interviews were completed across the five countries. Participants' titles include Directors, VP/SVP, CIO, CTO, and CSO with influence in IT, tech security, and/or selecting appropriate technology for the business unit or corporation. All participants were required to be authorized to make recommendations concerning mobile security solutions in the company or business unit.

Supporting Materials

To join the discussion on enterprise mobile security issues, and to read our latest blog piece on the survey, visit the CUPP Mobile Security Blog

To learn more about how CUPP Computing can help you secure your corporate data, visit: cuppcomputing.net/solutions/cupp-for-enterprise/.

About CUPP Computing

CUPP Computing provides security solutions for mobile systems, such as tablets, smart phones, remote service devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). The CUPP Gatekeeper-mSD is an independent and self-contained subsystem providing mobile security, data encryption, secure communications, antimalware, web reputation and app behavior analysis for consumer and enterprise mobile devices. CUPP Computing is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and has operations in Netanya, Israel and Palo Alto, CA. For more information, see www.cuppcomputing.net.

About Decisive Analytics LLC

Decisive Analytics LLC (decisiveanalytics.com) is a research and research technology solutions firm, serving Fortune 100 and technology clients worldwide, and headquartered in New York City since 2003. The study was conducted by Chief Research Officer, Dr. Cheryl Harris. Reach her at: 917.628.6167 or at cheryl@decisiveanalytics.com.

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