IT Briefcase Exclusive Interview: The Future of Mobile Security with Toby Rush, CEO, EyeVerify

With the evolution of BYOD (bring your own device) in the workplace, it is more important than ever for businesses to put their best efforts towards keeping mobile devices secure.

In the below interview, Toby Rush from EyeVerify stresses the importance of mobile device security, and emphasizes the value of biometrics as a next-generation security solution that every organization should consider.

• Q. What role do you see biometrics authentication playing within the rapid evolution of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the workplace?

A. There is no doubt that biometrics will play a large role in securing mobile devices, and in the adoption BYOD in particular. Just look around, This year alone, the number of mobile devices will outnumber the world population of 7 billion – and by 2015, that number is estimated to be 15 billion. Additionally, the chase to introduce enterprise mobile apps for those billions of devices is accelerating and redefining competition advantage.  Android-based enterprise app deployments are projected to reach 1 million before the end of this year.

As a result, enterprises are facing a clear inflection point around embracing the personal choice, flexibility and value that mobile applications provide, while looking for a next-generation security solution that will support a broad spectrum of devices.  OEMs, carriers, MDM and enterprises are all evaluating biometrics with the clear intent of implementing these approaches in the coming quarters.

• Q. In your opinion, why are passwords and usernames no longer a viable method for digitally securing mobile devices?

A. Passwords fail primarily for two reasons:

1. The first reason passwords fail is that we create them. We are terrible at creating unique & complex passwords. We tend to reuse the same password everywhere and we often write them down.

2. The second reason’s passwords fail is that even when you have a very complex password, if you give it to someone, or they steel it, they can now impersonate you on line and commit fraud.

• Q. How does EyeVerify work to verify a user’s digital identity while easily and securely accessing highly personal information on the web with just a glance?

A. The Eyeprint Verification System is the only mobile solution that uses built-in cameras within smart devices to image and pattern match the unique veins in users’ whites of the eyes, ensuring highly accurate, fast and convenient security for mobile transactions.

The patented verification system includes ‘live-ness,’ in order to identify if the image being captured is a picture, a video or a real, live person.

• Q. Do you see this technology as the mobile security technology of the future?

A. Simply answered, yes we do.  With mobile and security being two of the hottest priorities for CIOs this year, EyeVerify is uniquely positioned as the first and only solution of its kind, is easily deployed and does not require additional hardware. We believe Eyeprints will have a substantial impact on the mobile security industry.

Toby Rush is a 13-year mobile and wireless veteran. As founder and CEO of two mobile ventures, his deep expertise in imaging, sensors and mobility gives him early insight into the trends and technologies impacting consumers and the enterprise. Prior to his startups, EyeVerify and Rush Tracking Systems, Toby led the product development and QA for SAT Corp, a venture funded mobile software company. Toby also started and led the MobilEdge practice group for BSI consulting. He began his career with Accenture deploying SAP enterprise systems.