Kaspersky Mobile Security Helps Android Users Recover, Protect Data for Lost or Stolen Smartphones

WOBURN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of security and threat management solutions, today announced the addition of new features to Kaspersky Mobile Security designed to aid in the protection of data residing on lost or stolen smartphones and the recovery of missing devices. Through its new web-based control center, users can now access all Kaspersky Lab security features for their Android smartphone. The user-friendly interface can be managed from any computer and provides the ability to swiftly protect any banking information, contacts, photos or other personal information saved on the device.

“As money and financial information begins flowing through mobile devices, cybercriminals will put even more effort into infecting smartphones with malware designed to steal your money”

Accessible through the web-based control center, another new feature called ‘Mugshot’ enables owners to remotely activate the front-facing camera on their missing smartphone to help identify the unauthorized user or the phone’s surroundings.

According to data collected by the O+K research firm, nearly 20 percent of smartphone owners will at some point lose their device, either through theft, misplacing or accidentally leaving it behind somewhere. “With high-end smartphones retailing for more than $600, and the value of the data on devices often worth even more to owners and cybercriminals, Kaspersky Mobile Security provides Android users with peace of mind knowing that they can protect personal data, not only from the latest viruses and malware threats, but also from theft or loss of the device itself,” said Peter Beardmore, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Kaspersky Lab.

Through the new web-based control center, users can access all of Kaspersky Lab’s mobile security features, allowing them to:

Remotely lock their missing smartphone to secure personal information
Remotely wipe sensitive information from their missing smartphone
Remotely locate their lost or stolen smartphone using GPS, GSM or Wi-Fi, and Google Maps
Review logs of recent activities, such as their status and the results of any commands sent to the phone, or the installation of a new SIM card

Kaspersky Mobile Security’s ‘Mugshot’ enables owners of lost or stolen Android smartphones to visually identify the unauthorized use of their devices. With the click of a mouse in the web-based control center, users can remotely activate the front-facing camera on their missing smartphone, and the device will secretly begin taking photos. These photos are then automatically emailed to a pre-determined address or can be viewed directly through the web-based control center. If the smartphone has been stolen, the Mugshot tool gives users the opportunity to identify the thief, or if the smartphone is simply missing, users can recognize the phone’s surroundings to track it down.

All Mobile Security is Not Created Equal

Accessing or sharing personal information on social networks using smartphones has been common for years, but the newfound popularity of smartphone banking applications in the United States has increased the stakes of mobile security dramatically. “As money and financial information begins flowing through mobile devices, cybercriminals will put even more effort into infecting smartphones with malware designed to steal your money,” added Beardmore. To ensure your data stays protected from mobile malware, Kaspersky Lab has designed premium antivirus protection features for Android smartphones which include:

Connection to Kaspersky Lab’s online threat database for fast reaction against new and emerging viruses, spyware, Trojans, bots and more
Automatic scanning of downloaded apps
On demand and scheduled antivirus scans and updates
Real-time protection against dangerous links and webpages, including phishing sites

Why Kaspersky Mobile Security?

In March 2012, independent test lab AV-Test.org tested 41 mobile security offerings, and the results revealed that many free and paid-for mobile security products have little value in real-world use. AV-Test.org discovered 18 of the tested products detected less than 40 percent of malware samples. Six of the so-called “value” products failed to block a single attack and let every malicious test program install on the device. Kaspersky Mobile Security was one of only two products with a 100 percent detection rate.

“Consumers are faced with some confusing decisions with all of the choices available to them when it comes to data protection for their smartphones,” said Ann Biddlecom, Director of Product Marketing, Kaspersky Lab. “In a world where cyber criminals only need to find one way to steal your private data, independent tests prove that you truly do get what you pay for.”

For more advice on selecting the best security program for Android smartphones, AV-Comparatives published an evaluation of 13 security applications in September 2012. The test report, which can be found at the AV-Comparatives website, focuses on malware detection capabilities, anti-theft functionality, and power consumption of the products. AV-Comparatives highlighted several functions which are unique to Kaspersky Mobile Security, as well as areas where Kaspersky outperformed other offerings.

A one year license of Kaspersky Mobile Security can be purchased for $19.95 at the Kaspersky Lab e-store, and is also available for purchase on Google Play. Kaspersky Mobile Security supports versions OS 2.2-4.x on the Android operating system.

About Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Lab is the world’s largest privately held vendor of endpoint protection solutions. The company is ranked among the world’s top four vendors of security solutions for endpoint users*. Throughout its 15-year history Kaspersky Lab has remained an innovator in IT security and provides effective digital security solutions for consumers, SMBs and Enterprises. The company currently operates in almost 200 countries and territories across the globe, providing protection for over 300 million users worldwide. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

*The company was rated fourth in the IDC rating Worldwide Endpoint Security Revenue by Vendor, 2010. The rating was published in the IDC report Worldwide IT Security Products 2011-2015 Forecast and 2010 Vendor Shares – December 2011. The report ranked software vendors according to earnings from sales of endpoint security solutions in 2010.

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