Apple Buys into Mobile Security

Apple makes a rare big purchase-- AuthenTec, buying the mobile security firm for $365 million.

AuthentecThe news comes from an 8K document from AuthenTec, one which at one point (perhaps unsurprisingly) remarks "Authentec cannot comment on Apple's intentions."

Authentec makes fingerprint recognition and NFC chips for mobile device and PC use. It also makes security software-- and recently signed a big contract with Samsung for the use AuthenTecs' QuickSec Mobile VPN Client in new Android devices. 

Other AuthenTec customers include Lenovo, Fujitsu and Dell. 

What will Apple do with a mobile security firm? Authentec owns around 200 patents covering fingerprint sensors, sensor packaging and software. Not to mention issues involving the security of personal info stored on iDevices and tightening of iTunes and App Store security. 

The purchase does raise a simple question-- will Apple follow Google and create its own NFC-based mobile payments system now that it has the means?

Go AuthenTek Apple Purchase 8K

Go AuthenTec Shares Up on Samsung Contract (Reuters)