SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 21 - McAfee, Inc. (NYSE: MFE), the leading dedicated security technology company, today announced that it has formed a partnership with mobile device management company SmartTrust to develop a solution that will allow mobile operators to deliver integrated mobile virus protection to subscribers. Based on the McAfee(R) VirusScan(R) Mobile package and the SmartTrust SmartManage(TM) platform, the combined solution will enable new virus and malware updates to be delivered to subscribers remotely, 24/7.
SmartManage allows operators to automatically detect vulnerable handsets on the network and, where necessary, deliver virus protection over-the-air for immediate protection. To ensure continuous defense, the SmartTrust platform also uses a sophisticated business rules engine to allow subscribers' existing anti-virus subscriptions.
"With the burgeoning use of cell phones for everything from downloadable music to data files, and increasingly complex mobile devices becoming possible targets for malicious hackers, carriers are increasingly demanding proactive, integrated solutions to protect their large subscriber bases," said Victor Kouznetsov, senior vice president of McAfee Mobile. "SmartManage and McAfee VirusScan Mobile together offer a simple, seamless solution for all carriers to mitigate the threat of damage due to mobile virus outbreaks."
Since the identification of the first mobile virus in 2004, the use of mobile technology and its applications has paved the way for more complex viruses and threats. Today's advanced handsets, and the devices that connect to them, provide many different entry points for malicious code. Carriers understand the need to proactively monitor vulnerabilities within their networks.
"Mobile threats are even more dangerous because virus writers have learned from their experience in the PC environment. This means that the most dangerous outbreaks will occur with little fanfare but maximum damage, further validating the need for a carrier based always-on, proactive mobile virus solution. Ignoring the threat of mobile viruses will almost certainly bring financial loss and significant damage to established and trusted brands," said Paul Cuss, CEO of SmartTrust. "Combining detailed repositories of handset data, a sophisticated business rules engine and a carrier-grade OTA platform, SmartManage helps to deliver automated protection to the subscribers that need it most."
McAfee VirusScan Mobile provides advanced scanning, detection and cleaning of handheld data to prevent corruption due to viruses, worms, dialers, Trojans, battery-sapping malware, and other malicious code. VirusScan Mobile protects devices against the threats that originate from e- mail, instant messaging, and Internet downloads, and protects multiple entry points including SMS, MMS, and Bluetooth. Up-to-date protection is delivered as soon as threats are identified through McAfee's leading research organization, McAfee AVERT(R) Labs.
About McAfee Mobile
McAfee currently supports more than 50 mobile devices that are in the hands of over 15 million consumers worldwide. With multiple years of experience gained developing mobile platforms and protocols with major operators and platform vendors, strong partnerships with mobile infrastructure providers, dedicated sales personnel, a dedicated mobile R&D organization, and a mobile threat research organization through McAfee AVERT Labs, McAfee is uniquely qualified and well positioned to meet the needs of manufacturers, carriers, the enterprise market and end-users.
About McAfee, Inc.
McAfee, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the leading dedicated security technology company, delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that secure systems and networks around the world. With its unmatched security expertise and commitment to innovation, McAfee empowers home users, businesses, the public sector, and service providers with the ability to block attacks, prevent disruptions, and continuously track and improve their security.
www.mcafee.comNOTE: McAfee is a registered trademark of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners.