Symantec Releases Free Security Software for Android
by Andrew Cunningham on August 11, 2011 3:56 PM ESTSymantec, well known for its extensive lineup of security products on both the Windows and Mac platforms, today released Norton Mobile Security Lite, a freeware security product aimed at devices running Google's Android OS.
Like desktop antivirus software, Mobile Security Lite scans downloaded files (and, optionally, files on inserted SD cards) and compares them against an automatically updated definitions database in order to detect malware. It also helps to secure your data by offering you the ability to lock your phone remotely. Symantec claims that the product does all of this without slowing your device down or draining its battery, though your mileage may vary.
Norton Mobile Security 2.0, a paid version available for $2.99 a month or $29.99 annually, adds to this feature set the ability to locate your phone and to wipe it remotely, among a few others.
Android's ability to install and run apps from just about anywhere is well-liked by fans of the platform, but this openness also leaves Android devices open to a growing malware threat. As smartphones and tablets become more prevalent (and thus, bigger targets), they'll have to worry about many of the same security concerns that plague more traditional PCs today.
Norton Mobile Security Lite is available for free from the Android Market, and requires an Android device with version 2.x of the software and 1.8MB of available storage.
Source: PC Mag
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darwinosx - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
Heck of a job Google.InternetGeek - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
They actually have 4 apps there.Online family so parents to modify the configuration of their kids phone remotely from their own phone.
Utilities: close apps, clean cache, etc
Connect: To access your 360 backups.
Mumrik - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
"Norton Mobile Security 2.0, a paid version available for $2.99 a month or $29.99 annually,"AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
brshoemak - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
There is only one serious problem with your commentary regarding the new Norton Mobile Security suite.You left off the last 'A' :)
Mumrik - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
Salient point. I was sloppy!:D
piiman - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
Virus scanning is a bitch on a cell phone it will bog you down big time. i have the Macfee one (they gave me a free year) and I had to turn off scanning. It also keeps telling me my rooting apps are malware. Maybe this one works better but not for 30 bucks a year!NewBro - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
Seems the offer is valid for US residents only?Klinky1984 - Thursday, August 11, 2011 - link
Why would anyone infect their PC or their phone/table with known Norton malware?Samus - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
now i can make my phone even slower!sigmatau - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
I can't wait to experience pops ups telling me of new virus definitions when I'm trying to make a call.