People who own PCs and laptops take security against malware, viruses and other threats seriously. However, many mobile device owners don’t realize that malware can infiltrate mobile devices.
So far in 2012, according to a McAfee Threats Report, 13,000 distinct pieces of mobile malware have been found. When consumers point their mobile browser at a risky website, click a phishing link in an e-mail or download a malicious app, they can unwittingly download malware that transmits their location information, personal data and login credentials to ill-intentioned third parties.
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To combat security issues on Android phones, Verizon Wireless has issued a new Mobile Security app for Android phones, which can be downloaded from the Verizon channel in the GooglePlay store. While the Verizon network has a long history of using network protection and data analysis tools to prevent large-scale intrusion, this is Verizon’s first major step into mobile security.
Customers using Android smartphones that run Android 2.1 or higher can locate, alarm, lock and wipe data from misplaced or lost phones thanks to the Verizon Mobile Security app. To own the app, customers have to have a Verizon Wireless data plan, and the expense for some levels of Mobile Security will be added to their monthly statements.
Verizon offers Mobile Security Basic at no charge to its Android customers who have data plans. For those who want to combine McAfee App Alert with Mobile Security, the fee is $1.99 per line per month. Customers who already have Total Equipment Coverage can obtain service for $1 per month.
iPhone users already have protection for lost or stolen devices through FindMyPhone. This app can cause the phone to ping an alarm from its current location, can locate the phone on a map, and can initiate a remote passcode lock or wipe through iCloud.
Verizon Mobile Security is compatible with Internet Explorer 8 and 9, Firefox and Google’s Chrome browsers.
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Edited by
Brooke Neuman