McAfee and InnoPath Protect mobile devices from viruses : McAfee, the pioneer and worldwide leader of intrusion prevention solutions, and InnoPath Software, the industry leader in over-the-air (OTA) mobile device management, today announced that they intend to collaborate to deliver solutions for wireless operators and handset manufacturers, which will enable consumers to easily update their anti-virus software and OTA profiles, ensuring protection against future mobile threats.

In the mobile phone industry, increasing standardization of operating systems and use of open specifications, coupled with increasingly sophisticated functionality means that mobile devices are becoming more vulnerable to malicious code attacks. As advanced third-generation networks are introduced and end users are able to download richer content to their mobile phones, the potential threat associated with the spread of malicious content through wireless devices increases.

Wireless operators and handset manufacturers will be able to utilize OTA technology to ensure that mobile phones remain in compliance with the latest anti-virus software and parameter configurations. In addition to meeting the needs of customers through faster software updates, the companies' collaboration will provide wireless operators and handset manufacturers a way to increase revenue opportunities, reduce warranty cost, lower customer support costs and improve subscriber satisfaction and loyalty. The two companies will also investigate contributing the associated technology to international standardization organizations, while continuing to research and develop solutions to protect and enhance future mobile communication services.

"McAfee has established itself as the clear market and thought leader in mobile security, aiming to develop products that will protect users who are facing threats brought on them through the growth and development of wireless and mobile communications," said Victor Kouznetsov, senior vice president of mobile solutions for McAfee. "We look forward to collaborating with InnoPath to strengthen our ability to assist wireless operators with the challenges they face protecting their customers from malicious virus attacks."

"Working with McAfee will enable us to realize our common goal of protecting wireless operators and consumers from this realm of new and evolving threats in the mobile device arena," said Luosheng Peng, CEO, chairman and co-founder, InnoPath Software. "McAfee shares our commitment to proactively address these threats in their nascent stage, so that wireless operators will be able to offer consumers a better and safer user experience."