Today IBM launched a cloud-based mobile security offering designed to help organizations better secure smartphones and tablet devices in the workplace and protect against the latest mobile threats.
The new service, “IBM Hosted Mobile Device Security Management,” utilizes the Junos Pulse Mobile Security Suite from Juniper Networks as the underlying protection and device management technology.
In terms of features, the service protects against spyware and other forms of mobile malware on devices running on Apple’s iOS, Google Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Microsoft Windows Mobile platforms. It can also remotely locate, lock, or wipe clean a lost or stolen device–important features, but ones often built-in and easily done either out of the box or with other solutions. It also includes remote data backup and restore capabilities, including calendar and contacts.
IBM launched the service in response to the growing risks associated with the increasing number of employee-owned (“Bring Your Own Device”) and company issued mobile devices accessing corporate networks and data.
Delivered as cloud-based service, clients can deploy the solution without the need to invest in additional technology or in-house personnel.
In September, a report from IBM’s X-Force team highlighted security concerns due to the steady rise in security vulnerabilities and malware affecting mobile devices. Their declaration echoed findings from Damballa, which noted a significant increase in the number of Android devices infected with malware during the first half of the year.
“The BYOD trend creates real opportunity for employees to become more productive, but it also carries risk unless it is managed properly,” said Marisa Viveros, vice president, IBM Security Services. “The new service from IBM helps organizations protect their enterprise data while allowing employees to have the flexibility needed for today’s work environment.”
IBM’s mobile security services will available starting November 22 and include both design and implementation capabilities, in addition to 24×7 management and monitoring for the mid-market and large enterprise. Pricing starts at $9.99 per device/month with volume discounts available.
Interested in Mobile Security? Register for a Live Webcast on November 16th when SecurityWeek and Mocana will introduce a new technology that protects corporate data within individual apps, without the need for an SDK, access to the source code, or a device-level client/agent. Register Here.
