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Google Android Antivirus Available, and Unnecessary?

Antivirus developer SMobile released software this week to protect users of the G1 Android phone, although one security analyst wondered if people really need it.

By Nancy Gohring, IDG News Service (Seattle Bureau)

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In addition, people generally don't use their phones to access or send the same kind of important data that they do on their PCs, making phones less-interesting targets for people looking to steal that information. Mobile commerce, for example, is a very small market, so few people enter their credit card numbers into their phones.

Miller said that if people are worried about security on their phones, software from providers like SMobile might let them rest easier, although he probably wouldn't bother to buy such software for himself.

While Google or mobile service providers are sure to patch holes or issue fixes to known problems, SMobile could potentially do so faster. Miller says he notified Google of the vulnerability he discovered on Oct. 20. Google and T-Mobile began sending out a patch on Oct. 31.

SMobile said its software will scan the G1 for more than 400 types of mobile malware, including viruses, worms and Trojans that can spread between mobile phones via the memory card. If new types of malware appear, SMobile's software will detect it and provide "timely" updates for users, it said.

Android users can buy the software at the company's Web site or at Handango, an online store for mobile applications. VirusGuard for Android costs US$10. Once the Android Market begins allowing developers to charge for applications, the software will be available there, SMobile said.

SMobile offers antivirus software for other phone platforms, including Nokia's S60. Nokia, the number-one cell phone maker in the world, and thus the best target for hackers, promotes SMobile's software on its Web site.