In light of the rising number of cyber-attacks targeting the Android operating system (OS) in recent months, ESET, the leader in proactive digital protection, has announced the launch of its new ESET Mobile Security app for local Android smartphone and tablet users.
According to a threat report from analysts at leading research firm, Juniper, there has been a sharp 614% rise in mobile malware attacks since 2012, 92% of which specifically targeted at Android devices.
“As consumers we’ve become reliant on using our smartphones to store essential and personal information for all aspects of our lives,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO ESET southern Africa.
“Android now being the world’s most popular OS, makes it the perfect environment for cybercriminals to ‘phish’ for personal details. Most users are completely unaware that their phone is open to cyber-threat from simply using a popular search engine, browsing a Web site, or even downloading an app from a third party store.”
ESET Mobile Security for Android provides a host of features including advanced scanning, anti-phishing, anti-theft and anti-virus protection to extend widespread security to both consumer and business Android users.
“Hackers have spotted an incredible vulnerability in Android that means they can easily manipulate code and plant Trojans in apps to consistently access, monitor and steal personal information.
“The majority of these attacks go undetected, because Android users, particularly in business, don’t always have adequate protection for their mobiles, leaving a large number of devices leaking sensitive data to cybercriminals looking to make a quick buck,” adds Drew van Vuuren, CEO at 4Di Privaca.
“As ‘bring your own device adoption’ and mobility amongst the workforce continues to increase, more remote access sessions via mobile are at risk of password and information compromise,” adds Lee Bristow, Security Consultant at ESET Southern Africa.
“Local businesses equipping their staff with Android devices must begin to take security more seriously, by extending existing security across any mobile devices – particularly Android – being used to access corporate networks and folders.”
Key features in ESET Mobile Security for Android:
* Advanced anti-virus protection – ESET Mobile Security offers an advanced anti-virus engine capable of detecting both known and unknown threats. Run automatic and manual updates, scan logs and quarantine files daily or by default.
* In-depth scanning – the app improves detection and performance by using a combination of variable depth, scheduled and background scanning features.
* Anti-theft – ESET mobile security uses ‘Trusted Friends’ to secure and locate the device using SMS commands in the event the device is lost or stolen.
* SMS and call filtering – rules can be applied to block or allow SMS messages or incoming calls. Each rule can be applied to unknown numbers, specific contact groups or individual contacts.
* Security audit – monitor installed app permissions such as location tracking, access to contacts, or in-app purchases to close any security loopholes.
* Anti-Phishing and built-in USSD control features – ESET Mobile Security integrates with standard Android Web browsing apps by allowing users to check for compatibility when browsing in order to protect against malicious Web sites.
* User interface (UI) – the UI and set-up wizard makes the app easy to use and light on battery, keeping the device protected when navigating the Web, connecting to public WiFi, visiting untrustworthy Web sites or clicking on suspicious e-mail or instant messages to download apps from third party stores.
* Free and premium features available at Google Play: available from the official Android app store, users will receive unlimited access to a variety of ESET Mobile Security features for free. Users can also upgrade to the premium version from within the app for full, comprehensive protection against both digital and real-world threats.