McAfee Mobile Security offers enhanced privacy protection and app 'safe zone' for kids

SANTA CLARA, Calif./SINGAPORE—31 July 2013 – McAfee today announced an updated version of McAfee® Mobile Security offering new, cutting-edge privacy features including the Multi-user App Profile function which allows consumers to create multiple user profiles or “safe zones” on one device with customized or restricted access to apps. The new version of the award-winning software also features the option to choose between a basic or premium version. The premium version provides a full range of security and best-in-class privacy features on top of the basic version capabilities; the basic version provides select antivirus, backup and anti-theft capabilities at no cost. 

In 2012, 1.6 million Americans fell victim to smartphone theft, and stolen mobile phones cost consumers over $30 billion.[1] McAfee Mobile Security basic provides consumers with an easy way to protect themselves from theft and the loss or invasion of their personal data. It protects zusers’ privacy as it allows them to back up, wipe and restore contacts remotely through an easy-to-use web portal, as well as locate a lost or stolen device on a map, and remotely sound an alarm.

“When it comes to securing smartphones and tablets, consumers tend to think about protection against mobile malware threats and may not consider privacy threats if their gadgets get stolen or lost,” said Stephen Perchard, Vice President, Consumer and Mobile, Asia Pacific at McAfee. “We hope that through providing baseline level privacy protection at no cost through McAfee Mobile Security basic, consumers will start to actively take measures and adopt practices to secure their mobile devices.”

Supported by McAfee Global Threat Intelligence, the premium version of McAfee Mobile Security is an all-inclusive solution that includes the industry’s best-in-class app privacy features including app privacy reporting and call and SMS filtering. In the Mobile Security: McAfee Consumer Trends Report – June 2013, McAfee found that more than one quarter of mobile apps are likely more than just adware and may be collecting and handing over precise GPS location, account, and activity information to criminals.

To protect consumers against the abusive permissions of these risky apps, McAfee Mobile Security premium now features the Multi-user App Profile function that allows users to create a “safe zone” for kids, friends, family members or even strangers that may pick up or misuse their devices. It also includes new Data Exposure Analysis, which gives consumers the ability to see for themselves the level of risk their apps may pose.

In addition, the premium version will include a Hidden Device Admin Detector feature, which protects users from Trojans such as the newly discovered Obad.  This feature is also included as part of the McAfee Mobile Innovations app available to Android users at no cost on Google Play.

[1] Press Release from San Francisco District Attorney’s Press Office: http://www.sfdistrictattorney.org/index.aspx?page=262

Over 110 Mobile Worldwide Partners
McAfee Mobile Security has shipped with over 150 M devices and is available in over 30 languages to users across the globe. To date, McAfee has signed over 110 mobile partnerships, including Airtel, SingTel, NTT Docomo and SoftBank Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. McAfee is also working closely with Intel to expand its presence across emerging platforms and markets so that mobile users everywhere can enjoy the robust privacy protection features offered by McAfee Mobile Security and recently launched with Safaricom in Kenya.

Award Winning Technology
McAfee Mobile Security has received numerous accolades for superior performance by leading publications such as LAPTOP Magazine, PCMag, China Computer Weekly and PC Advisor UK. Additionally, McAfee Mobile Security received a perfect score on the March 2013 test conducted by independent testing lab, AV-Test, as well as the highest score from Stiftung Warentest, a well-recognized Quality Testing Institution & Magazine in Germany.

Availability
A free two week trial of McAfee Mobile Security with all premium features enabled is available on Google Play. After the trial expires, users can choose to use McAfee Mobile Security basic without the premium features at no cost, or purchase the premium version of the app for $2.99 US for a monthly subscription or $29.99 US for a 12-month subscription. McAfee Mobile Security is also available as part of McAfee All Access and McAfee LiveSafe which provide protection across PCs, Macs, tablets and mobile devices.

For more information on McAfee’s consumer mobile security offerings, please visit www.mcafee.com/us/mms.

Press Release from San Francisco District Attorney’s Press Office: http://www.sfdistrictattorney.org/index.aspx?page=262