F-Secure will offer real-time multi-device security to Telecom Italia’s customers, as the operator looks to cope with the growing threats to smartphones and tablets.
TIMProtect will be offered to all of Telecom Italia’s customers and protects them against viruses, spyware, hacking attacks and identity theft. F-Secure said it also blocks risky websites and online attacks while a user is browsing the web. There is a safe browsing feature for children using smartphones and the device can also be protected if it is stolen.
The company said mobile malware is getting increasingly sophisticated. Those who are successfully targeted by malware have their devices send SMS to premium rate numbers or have any messages from banks diverted to fraudsters.
Antonio Andrea Vaccarelli, who is responsible for Device and Service Development at Telecom Italia, said: “Operators need to move fast to serve the changing needs of the customers. Thanks to the partnership with F-Secure, we can let our customers safely manage their smartphones and easily protect their children, guaranteeing secure access to all the services.”
Samu Konttinen, executive vice president, Consumer Security at F-Secure, said: “Online security isn’t just about protecting the home computer anymore. Security needs to be flexible to adapt to people’s changing device needs.”
According to a report commissioned by Alcatel-Lucent, mobile malware infections increased by a fifth, with 4G LTE devices the most under threat. Three out of every five malware attacks are on Android handsets.
Last week, Nokia announced it was launching a new security unit in response to the growing number of attacks on 4G LTE networks. The vendor said the move towards virtualisation could lead to networks receiving more attacks from hackers.