SMobile Systems, a developer of mobile security solutions, has announced the release of VirusGuard for phones with the Android (News - Alert) application.

 

The company has released this new application with the intention to protect users from the attack and proliferation of mobile viruses, spyware and other malware. This application specifically serves G1 Android based cell phone unveiled by T-Mobile recently.

 

Mobile device malware today, has the ability to intercept e-mail, SMS and MMS messaging, track the position of the device, remotely and silently turn on the phone to hear conversations and can even be used maliciously as a conduit to exploit the corporate LAN.

 

The new VirusGuard for Android will allow users to scan their devices and memory cards for over 400 known instances and variants of mobile Malware. It will detect new viruses, trojans and worms and will provide users with timely virus signature updates.

 

Neil Book, president, SMobile Systems (News - Alert), explained, "It is our mission to keep users informed of threats we detect and to protect consumer and business users from the very real dangers that await a potentially exploitable device like the new G1.”

 

SMobile Systems previously developed antivirus and security applications for BlackBerry (News - Alert), Windows Mobile, Symbian, Palm and iPhone. And for the past year, the company was extensively involved in bringing an Android-based virus guard.

 

"Android's open-source architecture is fantastic because it allows anyone to develop new applications for the phones running on this system. For SMobile, we believe that creating a virus protection solution is necessary to help thwart the potential for malware attacks that are coming and those that exist today," said Book

 

SMobile plans to adapt the remainder of the SecurityShield suite to offer firewall, anti-spam and lock, wipe and backup for the Android platform. It is even planning to offer parental controls that will allow parents to closely monitor their child's cell phone voice and messaging activities to ensure they are safe.

 

"Days after the release of Android, the first exploit became public," said Daniel Hoffman (News - Alert), chief technology officer, SMobile Systems. "VirusGuard allows users to react quickly to new Malware-related threats and to protect their devices without having to wait days or weeks for an operating system update."

 

The company recently released the Secure Mobile Banking and Trading endpoint security solution for financial institutions and consumers to protect from malware and external attacks while transacting online.