Nokia and Symantec to collaborate in enhancing security for smartphones

Cupertino, CA, USA / Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Symantec Corporation today announced that the two companies have signed an agreement that enables Nokia to provide its Series 60 based smartphones with Symantec Mobile Security. Through this agreement, Nokia will be able to preload their Series 60 and Symbian OS based mobile devices with Symantec’s mobile security solutions, offering increased protection for consumer and business users against mobile malware threats.

 

"As the leading mobile device manufacturer, Nokia is determined to be active in the development of security controls and preventive measures against malware. The collaboration with Symantec, the leading security solution provider, is another step in our aim to bring the most advanced security features into Series 60 based devices," says Matti Vänskä, Director, Nokia Technology Platforms.

 

As smartphone purchasing and usage become more prolific Nokia and Symantec want to offer security solutions that will help protect personal information, such as contact databases, stored on smartphones in addition to connected networks.

 

"Mobile devices are changing the way consumers and businesses live and work," said Sarah Hicks, Vice President of mobile and wireless solutions, Symantec Corp.  "As more and more data, including financial and personal details, are being stored on mobile devices, they are increasingly at risk to malware threats. This agreement with Symantec allows Nokia to provide key security features to the Series 60 Platform and Series 60 based smartphones."

 

Symantec has been working with Nokia for more than two years to develop mobile security technology and systems for mobile devices. The new agreement strengthens the existing relationship by enabling Nokia to provide increased protection for the smartphones running the Series 60 Platform. The agreement also will enable the other Series 60 licensees to evaluate and test Symantec’s mobile security solutions for their Series 60 based smartphones.

 

 

Symantec Mobile Security for Symbian OS is an integrated security client that protects smartphones from wireless threats. As mobile phones acquire more computer-like capabilities, they also become more vulnerable to viruses and hackers. Symantec Mobile Security for Symbian OS protects against those risks. The software starts safeguarding a phone as soon as it is installed, automatically turning on virus protection and closing vulnerable ports. Symantec virus protection defends against viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, automatically removing any it finds.

 

The AutoProtect feature runs continuously in the background, watching for malicious code in SMS, EMS, MMS, HTTP, and email files. Users can also manually scan applications and file archives.  Additionally, a built-in firewall blocks suspicious incoming and outgoing connection attempts on the phone’s LAN/WAN connection. Symantec LiveUpdate Wireless technology makes it easy to stay protected against new threats by downloading software and protection updates over the wireless network.

 

 

Symantec is the world leader in providing solutions to help individuals and enterprises assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information.  Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

 

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.