Smartphone users offered free antivirus

Smartphone users have today been offered free antivirus and anti-spam software for their handsets - but only for a limited period.

The offer from security firm Trend Micro is only open to devices that use the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system, but a version for Symbian and Pocket PC devices will be out in January.

The software package protects against viruses and SMS spam and needs regular updates. The company said that the offering will be free, but only until July 2005.

"Many people will put hi-tech gadgets, data-centric mobile phones and PDAs on their holiday gift wish-list," said Raimund Genes, president of Trend Micro EMEA.

"As the number of people using the devices increases, so they become more enticing targets for virus writers. By offering the first version of Trend Micro Mobile Security free of charge, Trend Micro wishes to provide its customers and their data-centric devices a secure holiday season."

Last month antivirus companies warned that the Cabir mobile phone virus had been spread for the first time with destructive software as a payload.

See also:

First Linux-powered UMTS 3G mobile arrives

Reference design developed by Infineon and Samsung  11 Feb 2005

Symbian targets enterprises with tougher OS

Handsets using OS v9 expected in December  03 Feb 2005

Mobiles under threat from 'airborne viruses'

For once Microsoft is not the target  26 Jan 2005

Worm turns on Symbian mobile phones

Infection spreads via Bluetooth, but does not have malicious payload  11 Jan 2005

Bugwatch: Mobiles catch the security bug

The mobile industry must acknowledge the threat from a new generation of viruses  15 Jul 2004

First mobile phone worm created

'Cabir' virus affects Symbian OS handsets and spreads via Bluetooth  16 Jun 2004

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