Kaspersky Internet Security for Android launched

The number of internet-enabled mobile devices keeps growing. According to an international survey conducted by B2B International in April 2013, the average household currently owns 4.5 "connected" devices - and two of them are mobile smartphones or tablets. These may be used in addition to, or even in place of, traditional PCs or laptops.

With more people using mobile devices, more cybercriminals are taking an interest in them. According to Kaspersky Lab, 35,000 different malicious programs for Android emerged in 2012, representing 99% of the total number of mobile threats.

Cybercriminals use various types of malware to steal personal data from smartphone and tablet users, automatically send text messages to premium-rate numbers, and use mobile devices to spread spam. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android effectively combats these threats.

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android safeguards smartphones and tablets from all types of malware by combining traditional signature-based antivirus protection with real-time updates via the cloud-based Kaspersky Security Network, and a set of integrated proactive behavioural technologies.

In addition, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android provides protection for web browsing by detecting and blocking links to phishing sites and pages that distribute malicious programs. When targeting smartphones, cybercriminals often spread links to malicious or phishing sites via text messages. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android integrates a special mechanism that can check the links in text messages before they are opened.

Loss or theft

In addition to the highest level of protection against cyber threats, the Kaspersky Lab solution also responds to the realities of life such as loss or theft. There is an obvious link between the security of the data stored on a mobile device and the physical safety of that device - it is all too easy for smartphones and tablets to be lost or stolen. In this case, valuable personal information can be lost along with the device itself. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android includes a number of features that help minimise this risk.

In particular, with the help of Kaspersky Anti-Theft Web Management, users can remotely block lost or stolen devices, detect their current location and remotely delete all personal information stored on them. The Mugshot feature can secretly take a photo of the thief or the new owner's face while SIM Watch blocks the smartphone if someone changes its SIM card. If a tablet or a smartphone is just out of sight nearby, the Alarm function activates a signal that indicates its location.

Available in two versions

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is available in two versions: free and premium. The free version contains basic antivirus functionality (user-activated scanning) and all remote device management facilities. Using the integrated in-app purchase system, users can upgrade to Premium level, which, in addition to the free functionality, provides advanced antivirus mechanisms, including automatic scans of every app as it is being downloaded, real-time protection from emerging threats and web protection to combat phishing attacks. The premium version also includes features to manage personal information, including the option of hiding contacts, calls, messages and their history from prying eyes.

Dmitry Aleshin, director product management of Kaspersky Lab, said: "Whenever we develop a security solution, we start by thinking about exactly what the users need. Obviously, tablet and smartphone users face a double risk - they may fall victim to both cybercriminals and ordinary thieves. That is why Kaspersky Internet Security for Android has added remote device management functions to its antivirus and anti-phishing technologies. We also understand that the main task of any antivirus company is to ensure the safety of users. So we have made many features of our solutions freely available."

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android can be downloaded from the Kaspersky Lab website or from Google Play.

For more, go to www.kaspersky.co.za/android-security.