More security promised for your smartphones

By Alun Williams

Posted on 2 Aug 2002 at 11:40

Symantec is extending its Internet security systems into the mobile smartphone arena.

The security software specialist has signed an agreement to support the Symbian OS, which is the platform from Symbian found in the world's smartphones, such as the Nokia 9210.

By becoming a Symbian Platinum Partner, Symantec's Internet security experts will be working with Symbian as new versions of the Symbian OS are developed.

While Symantec will be keen to take advantage of new markets, Symbian will also benefit from a strengthened mobile platform. 'Research has shown that fears about wireless security are a chief deterrent to the widespread adoption of mobile computing devices,' said Steve Cullen, a senior VP at Symantec.

'This agreement with Symantec, with their strong position in the Internet security space, will enable the delivery of more secure and better solutions optimised for Symbian OS,' said Gilles Allain, VP of Partnerships and Alliances at Symbian. He believes the move will help in 'promoting m-commerce and ultimately enabling secure wireless services for the end user'.