Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) announced the availability of its Mobile AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows Mobile, developed to make PocketPCs and smartphones running on the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform a safe repository for an organization's confidential data without limiting employees' ability to conduct business wirelessly.

Symantec Mobile AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows Mobile automatically protects mobile devices from threats transmitted via e-mail and multimedia messaging service (MMS), downloaded from memory cards, the cell network and Wi-Fi, transmitted by Bluetooth or beamed over infrared connections.

"Organizations developing a comprehensive security strategy have to include mobile devices as key endpoints that should be secured, just as they're protecting their desktops and laptops," said Paul Miller, managing director, mobile security at Symantec Corp. "Symantec has detailed mobile-style attacks such as Snoopware, which uses the smartphone's microphone to listen in on important events like those found in the calendar, and Pranking4Profit, crimeware that uses premium-SMS to profit illegally.  Protecting against these new risks needs to be fundamental to any security strategy."

Symantec Mobile AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows Mobile uses Symantec's LiveUpdate Wireless service to automatically update threat protection signatures to ensure protection against new viruses, Trojans, and worms.

Additionally, the centralized management feature enables administrators to configure, lock, and enforce security policies on the handset from a centralized console.

Meeting an Immediate Need

 According to a global survey conducted by Symantec, a significant majority of companies do not adequately address smartphone security. A majority of respondents allow their employees to purchase their own smartphones, but only 10 percent have deployed comprehensive smartphone security systems. The survey also finds that 80 percent of companies that allow corporate data on handheld mobile devices do not secure that data.

"The ad hoc or wait-and-see mobile security approach we've seen corporations use in the past is beginning to change," said Jon Oltsik, Senior Analyst, Information Security, Enterprise Strategy Group.  "CIOs and IT groups are now considering how the business needs of mobility impact their security policies.  Many shops that considered themselves PC-only environments are now grappling with multi-environments like Windows and Symbian on mobile phones for the very first time."

Availability

Symantec Mobile AntiVirus 4.0 for Windows Mobile, an important part of the company's Endpoint Security product family, is scheduled to be available through Symantec's direct sales force, enterprise VAR channel, system integrators and select OEM partners.

Symantec also introduces a new Try/Buy license manager that allows organizations and individuals to easily evaluate the software before purchasing.

Sourced From: 20 : 20 Media Pvt Ltd