Viruses affect mobiles through message attachments, application downloads, Bluetooth communication and PC synchronization. The new product features Norton AntiVirus technology as well as a firewall and antispam for short message service.
Smartphones are expanding consumer freedom to communicate and access important information anytime, anywhere. However, unsecure public WiFi or network connections can put users at risk. In addition, web and e-mail viruses can directly infect smartphones, enabling hackers to remotely control the device, access sensitive information or disable applications, said Rowan Trollope, senior vice president of consumer business unit at Symantec.
Currently, there are more than 350 mobile viruses and threats for handsets. As a result, the customers of more than 80% of mobile operators are expected to have been affected by threats. Some recent mobile threats include viruses like Duts, which attaches its viral code to executable files and spreads within a Windows Mobile device, and Xrove, which uses PC synchronization for infecting a Windows Mobile device. Mobile variants of spyware and phishing over text messaging have been identified as well.
The Norton Smartphone Security is a subscription-based offering currently available through the Symantec online store for $29.99, and will also be made available at retail locations and online retailers.
Earlier this week, Symantec’s rival McAfee launched the VirusScan Mobile solution that protects from threats originating from e-mail, instant messages and multimedia downloads in mobile devices. However, it supports Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone and Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition devices. Another rival, AVG launched the AVG mobile security in June 2007. It is in free beta testing version and can protect Symbian UIQ 3.0 platform mobile phones.
Source: ComputerWire daily updates
