Trend Micro announces the Next Generation Mobile Security Solution for Android

Trend Micro, a global cloud security leader and long-time innovator in mobile security, has today announced the latest addition to Trend Micro’s Mobile arsenal, Trend Micro Mobile Security, Personal Edition. The solution is designed to protect both smartphones and tablets that use the Google Android operating system, and includes a free app scanner, lost device protection and enhanced security to block threats while surfing the web, calling or texting.  

As Android devices gain in popularity, so too does the intent of cybercriminals. Trend Micro’s threat researchers have tracked an 800% increase in new threats targeting Android devices since February 2011. Trend Micro Mobile Security – Personal Edition also includes Trend Micro Mobile Security 7, which means that consumer’s mobile devices are better protected based on the new data that has been discovered over the last six months. 

Anti-malware scanner app: Designed to block infected apps from installing and stealing personal information; the App Scanner is available to download free of charge from the Android Market

Lost Device Protection: From a personal online portal owners can locate a lost device on a Google map, remotely lock it or even wipe it clean to protect their personal information. If the device can’t be found it can be locked from the portal at www.TrendMicro.com/ilostmyandroid, and if all else fails the user can wipe the contents by triggering a factory reset. As a safeguard, if the SIM card is removed the device is also automatically locked.

Surf, Call, and Text Security: Designed to block online threats like banking scams, blocks unwanted calls and text messages and designed to block inappropriate websites to protect your children in line with your personal web surfing policy. Leveraging the power of the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network infrastructure, which blocks over 5 billion threats daily, all websites visited on the device browser are checked against the same reputation databases that protect Trend Micro’s global customer base.  

“With the sheer amount of personal information now being stored and sent via personal mobile devices, it’s imperative that everyone protects themselves against malicious applications, protecting personal and financial information. For many, their Android device is an extension of their computer so when these devices are lost or misplaced, it’s more important that they can be recovered, or at least ensure that the sensitive data is deleted. The software is available from retail stores and the Android Market, where we are offering the anti-malware scanner app for free – encouraging as many people as possible to protect their digital lives.” said Karen Hicks Consumer Product Marketing Manager, EMEA. 

In the wrong hands, these devices can run up huge phone and data bills, but they could also grant access to online banking, social networking and in some cases even provide access to home automation systems including doors and alarms.