Security software maker ESET this week launched the latest version of its mobile security solution for Android. Completely rebuilt and redesigned, the new ESET Mobile Security for Android brings improved scanning, an anti-phishing module and a redesigned user interface, the company said.
ESET Mobile Security for Android was designed to protect Android smartphone and tablet users in less secure environments.
The mobile security solution protects users as they connect to public Wi-Fi networks and protects them when visting sketchy websites or clicking on suspicious email or chat messages. The solution also protects users when downloading apps from third party stores and monitors their permissions.
ESET is offering two versions of Mobile Security for Android: A free version offering basic protections, and a full version that can be upgraded from within the app for additional protection against both digital and physical threats.
In addition to antivirus scanning, ESET Mobile Security for Android offers:
• A startup and anti-theft wizard
• The ability to filter or block SMS or incoming calls at specified times.
• Security Audit—Monitor installed application permissions such as location tracking, access to contacts, or in-app purchases to close any security loopholes.
• Enhanced Anti-Phishing Module and Built-in USSD Control Features—Protect against phishing attacks and web-based attacks via malicious SMS messages, QR codes, or URL links.
“One of our goals with the new version of ESET Mobile Security for Android was to make protection even easier for users,” said Andrew Lee, CEO, ESET North America. “Our new user interface and setup wizards are designed for mobile users looking for simple and powerful security products that are easy to configure, run quietly in the background, and require limited resources.”
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Android maintained its leadership position in Q2 2013 with a 79.3% market share based on 187.7 million units shipped. With such a high market share, Android’s popularity makes it an increasingly attractive target for cyber criminals.
According to ESET research, from 2011 to 2012, Android malware grew by a factor of 17. According to a report from Trend Micro released this week, the number of malicious and high-risk Android apps jumped by more than 40 percent during the past few months. The number of risky apps hit 718,000 at the end of the second quarter compared to 509,000 in the first quarter, Trend Micro said.
ESET Mobile Security for Android is available via web and Google Play. More information from be found here.
*Updated with correct metric on market share and number of units shipped.