WOBURN, MA -June3, 2009- Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of Internet threat protection solutions that defend against computer viruses, spyware and all forms of malicious software, today announced the general availability of Kaspersky Mobile SecurityTM 8.0. Built with a unique combination of security controls and data protection tools, Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0 offers a critical line of defense for users of Symbian and Windows Mobile devices from a potentially devastating loss of their personal data caused by a misplaced smartphone, a common thief, or a sophisticated hacker.
As increasing numbers of consumers use mobile devices to access and store sensitive information - personal banking information, proprietary business plans, corporate emails, or photographs - these smartphones are becoming an increasingly attractive target for thieves. Industry analysts at IDC have predicted the number of converged mobile devices will grow globally from 151.6 million in 2008 to 334.2 million by 2013[1], and as more business and personal data makes its way to these mobile devices, a loss or theft becomes much more than an annoyance. It becomes a real threat to a person's identity and a real liability for businesses, underscoring the need for tighter security practices with respect to both consumer and enterprise smartphone usage.
According to Jon Crotty, Research Analyst, Security Products & Services at IDC, "As average consumers account for an increasing number of smartphones sales, these devices will be operating without the benefit of a business IT department providing oversight and assistance. As the amount of information - both personal and professional - stored on these devices increases, so does the inherent risk of losing this data."
What's New inKaspersky Mobile Security 8.0?
Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0 delivers comprehensive data security and the latest malware protection for smartphones using the Windows Mobile and Symbian operating systems. New features in Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0 include:
- NewGPS tracking capabilities to locate mobile devices that have been lost or stolen.
- A newencrypted folder to keep sensitive information on the smart mobile device - such as a company's IPO plans or personal Web site passwords - safe from prying eyes.
- An enhancement to the SIM Watch feature allows users to remotely delete data stored on their mobile device even if a new SIM card has been installed.
- ParentalControls, allowing parents to block communication to and from undesirable contacts, or to limit the smartphone's ability to only contact specified, pre-approved numbers. Parents can also use the smartphone's GPS capabilities to determine their child's location, or to block the installation of mobile software applications.
What if the Phone is Lost?
For mobile devices that are left, for instance, at a restaurant or the backseat of a taxi, Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0's SMS Find feature instructs the phone's GPS software to transmit its current coordinates to its owner. These GPS coordinates are automatically displayed on Google Maps, allowing users to obtain a real-time location of their misplaced phone.
What if the Phone is Stolen?
If the phone has been stolen, the rightful owner can remotely block communications to and from the device, and has the ability to remotely delete all data from the device, preventing contacts or sensitive information from being illegally used or stolen. If the thief tries to circumvent these GPS tracking and data deletion programs by replacing the device's SIM card, Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0's SIM Watch will send the rightful owner a message containing the device's new telephone number. This ensures users will maintain the ability to delete sensitive data, and can provide the phone's new number to wireless service providers and law enforcement agencies that can track and recover the stolen device.
How to Keep Highly Sensitive Data Safe
Users storing sensitive or private information can now create an encrypted ‘safe folder' on their mobile device, ensuring that this data cannot be viewed or downloaded if left unattended.
What About Malicious Mobile Software Attacks?
Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0 takes advantage of the best anti-malware protection that Kaspersky Lab has to offer. This new mobile security solution uses an antivirus scanner to protect against all known types of mobile malware, preventing malicious programmers from hampering the phone's functionality or capturing mobile data. The software can also be used to control incoming and outgoing content, allowing users to easily block spam text messages and phone calls from unwanted numbers. This content filtering capability also has built-in Parental Control features that allow parents to easily manage their children's mobile access, blocking calls and text messages to-and-from undesirable numbers. Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0's Parental Controls also allow parents to use the on-board GPS capabilities inside these smartphones to determine their child's location.
QUOTE:
Justin Priestley, Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales, Kaspersky Lab Americas
"Smartphonesare quickly becoming more and more the norm for mobile communications. The capabilities of these phones have evolved far beyondsimply a phone. As these devicesbecomea naturalextension of anindividual's owncomputer, they require the same premium protection as a desktop or laptop PC. Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0offersunprecedented levels of security andmuch neededcontrol over the data stored onthesesmartdevices. The bonus with Kaspersky Mobile Security is that you get some very innovative mobile phone theft protection along with Kaspersky's world famous anti-malware protection. It's the best of all worlds when it comes to protecting your data and your identity."
Prices and availability
Kaspersky Mobile Security 8.0 is a subscription-based offering available now for purchase through the Kaspersky online store at http://www.kaspersky.com/ for $29.95 per license. The software is compatible with all smartphones using the Symbian OS (versions 9.1 or higher) and Windows Mobile (5.0 or higher).
[1] Source: IDC, Worldwide Converged Mobile Device 2009-2013 Forecast and Analysis, Doc # 217210, March/2009
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab is the world's largest privately-held Internet Security company, providing comprehensive protection against all forms of IT threats such as viruses, spyware, hackers and spam. The company's products provide in-depth defense at work, at home and on the road for home and mobile users, small and medium sized businesses and large enterprises, protecting more than 250 million systems around the globe. Kaspersky technology is also incorporated inside the products and services of approximately 100 of the industry's leading IT, networking, communications and applications solution vendors. For further information about the company, please visit http://www.kaspersky.com/. For the latest in-depth information on security threat issues and trends, please visit http://www.viruslist.com/. For the most up-to-date world security news, visit www.threatpost.com.
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