Verizon introduces Mobile Security app for Android

With mobile malware threats on the rise, Verizon has responded by unveiling a new antivirus app for its line of Android phones, dubbed Verizon Mobile Security. Both free and paid versions of the app are available, depending on your security needs.

According to a McAfee report, the amount of malware targeted at mobile devices has risen dramatically in the last year. While Google has tried to do its part by changing some of its policies and blocking certain apps in the Google Play Store, that isn’t enough for some users, and it is clear that there is a market for anti-malware apps on the Android platform.

Verizon Mobile Security Basic, which uses McAfee’s technology, is available in the Verizon channel on Google Play for devices running Android 2.1 or higher. In addition to detecting viruses and malware, it can also detect and warn users of possible malicious websites. This basic functionality is free for Verizon customers, but a data plan is required.

Users looking for better protection can opt for Verizon Mobile Security Premium, which costs $1.99/month per line. In addition to the functionality of the Basic app, this version adds the ability to remotely locate your phone, as well as the ability to lock or even wipe data.  This version can also track what information apps are sending and what these are storing on your device.

Customers who use Verizon’s Total Equipment Coverage get a discount on Verizon Mobile Security Premium, bringing the cost down to only $1.00/month per line. All versions of the app require a Verizon data plan, and data usage does apply.

Have you ever had a malware issue with your device? Would you use an antivirus app and your phone and if so, would you pay a monthly fee for it?

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Verizon Mobile Security Combined with Verizon Wireless Network Protections Deliver Superior Mobile Safeguard Technology

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — While most consumers with smartphones understand they are carrying around the functions of a computer, many do not realize that smartphones are susceptible to some of the same security and privacy threats that plague laptops and desktops.  Verizon Wireless has always taken great strides to protect the security of its customers and its network using sophisticated network intrusion and data analysis tools.  Today, the company expands its security protection products with the introduction of Verizon Mobile Security, an application that helps customers secure and protect Android™ smartphones against digital and physical threats.

Reaffirming Verizon Wireless’ commitment to robust security, Verizon Mobile Security helps customers protect their devices from digital threats and equips customers with the power to remotely locate, alarm, lock and even wipe data from a misplaced or lost device.  Verizon Mobile Security, available on Android smartphones running Android 2.1 or higher, combines the security capabilities of Asurion and McAfee.

In today’s information technology society, smartphone customers expect a high level of security and protection.  Malware can invade a smartphone when a consumer unknowingly clicks a malicious link in a text message or email, surfs a risky website, or downloads and uses a potentially unsafe app on their device.  Once the device is infected, malware can collect and send data from the device, such as location information, personal information and login credentials, to untrusted third parties.  According to the “McAfee Threats Report: Second Quarter 2012,” approximately 13,000 distinct pieces of mobile malware have been discovered so far in 2012 – a significant year-over-year increase as less than 2,000 distinct pieces were found in 2011.  Verizon Mobile Security delivers three valuable options to help secure and protect customers from these digital threats:

• Verizon Mobile Security Basic – Provides antivirus protection, powered by McAfee, to detect viruses and malware, and McAfee® SiteAdvisor® to identify and warn customers of suspicious websites.  There is no charge to download Verizon Mobile Security Basic, but a Verizon Wireless data plan is required and data usage will apply.
• Verizon Mobile Security Premium – Includes the security features of Verizon Mobile Security Basic, as well as McAfee App Alert, which delivers information about which apps have the ability to access, store or transmit data to or from the device.  Available for $1.99/month per line, Verizon Mobile Security Premium also provides recovery features from Asurion that allow customers to remotely locate, alarm, lock or wipe data from a lost or misplaced device using their My Verizon accounts.
• Verizon Mobile Security Premium with Total Equipment Coverage – Customers with Total Equipment Coverage can add Verizon Mobile Security Premium for $1/month per line.  Total Equipment Coverage combines the benefits of Asurion’s Wireless Protection Plan for lost, stolen, and damaged devices, and Verizon Wireless’ Extended Warranty for mechanical or electrical defects after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Verizon Mobile Security can be downloaded from the Verizon Channel in Google Play on more than 30 Android smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S® III and DROID RAZR™ M by Motorola.  After Verizon Mobile Security Premium is purchased, customers get the ease and convenience of direct billing to their monthly account statements.  A Verizon Wireless data plan is required and data usage applies.

For more information about Verizon Mobile Security, visit www.verizonwireless.com/mobilesecurity.  Customers can also check out http://youreguide.vzw.com/a1/verizon-mobile-security-app/ for best practices gained from real-life scenarios and hands-on experience.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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