Phil Sealy, ABI Research: Increased Security Requirements for Online Transactions Create 1.8B Unit One-Time-Password Generators and USB Token Market

December 8, 2011

​Service providers, retailers, banks, governments, and enterprises are increasingly working to counter the growing threat of hacking and identity fraud that has made headlines throughout 2011. As a result, vendors of hardware and software solutions aimed at boosting security for online transaction and access are set to commence battle. Cumulative shipments of hardware-based solutions, including one-time-password (OTP) generators, portable smart card readers, and secure USB tokens will reach 1.8 billion units by the end of 2016. However, greater development of more user-friendly software in browsers and on mobile devices will result in software solutions accounting for 60% of shipments in 2016.

The market will see a boost in growth for USB tokens over the forecast period with OTP generators experiencing a decelerating growth pattern due to high profile hacks to companies such as RSA, reducing OTP credibility. Overall, the market remains positive, with hardware and software solutions shipping in excess of one billion units in 2016 alone.

Research analyst Phil Sealy says, “High profile hacks have gained extra media attention and coverage, heightening awareness of what a data compromise can mean. Hacks have not been limited to one particular market. RSA, Sony, Citigroup, L-3 Communications, and NASA have all fallen victim in 2011.”

An explosion of mobile software solutions shipping into the market will occur from 2013 onward. This should be no surprise, with an increasing number of smartphones and tablets being utilized to access networks, complete transactions, and manage email. With threats growing, mobile software solutions are forecast to achieve the greatest growth, with annual shipments of 392 million in 2016.

Group director John Devlin comments, “The market is picking up and will experience growth over the coming years. The cost of compromise is being realized. Companies are looking at deploying solutions not only to protect data, but also to limit the possibilities of damaged credibility while maintaining services which are not only safe, but also accessible to consumers on a 24/7 basis.”

ABI Research’s study, “On-line ID & Authentication,” provides regional forecasts for biometric sensors in mobile devices, enhanced browser-based software, mobile device software, OTP generators, portable smartcard readers, and USB tokens across several markets.