Vodafone teams up with McAfee to offer security app for Android

Vodafone has teamed up with security vendor, McAfee, to offer a protection service for the telco’s Android phone customers.

The monthly subscription-based security application, called McAfee Mobile Security, is for selected Android smartphones which use operating system (OS) versions 2.1 to 3.0.

Currently available on Vodafone’s website for $3 per month with the first month free of charge, the app will go live to 3 customers on 6 February.

Its features include device lock, data backup, location tracker and anti-virus software. The app also protects against potential phishing websites, browser exploits and malicious quick response (QR) codes.

In addition, it also has a uninstall protection which prevents a thief or another user from bypassing the mobile protection.

Vodafone head of applications, James Dampney, said the company has focussed its efforts on the Android operating system because of the growing demand for these smartphones.

Dampney said that the company is looking to roll out this app on other operating systems in the future.

“We don’t have any specific time frame in mind at the moment but we will consider other operating systems in the future,” he said. “Apple has certain restrictions in place which means neither McAfee nor any other security vendor is able to offer the same security service.”

Got a security tip-off? Contact Hamish Barwick at hamish_barwick at idg.com.au

Follow Hamish Barwick on Twitter: @HamishBarwick

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

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