Security specialist Sophos today announced it has introduced the latest version of its free Android security app, Sophos Mobile Security.
Mobile Security now includes SPAM filter capabilities for text messages and calls. The filter rules are able to block specific phone numbers and calls with a hidden caller ID, as well as text messages with potential malicious URLs. Every incoming call or text message is scanned by the app’s Spam Protection feature and the active filter rules are applied. Blocked calls and text messages are logged in the Quarantine folder, where they can be restored as needed.
Android is now the world’s most popular smartphone OS, and according to a number of research firms, it claims more than 50% of the market. Sophos argues that such a user base makes the OS a prime target for malware and SMiShing (SMS phishing).
“Even with legal crackdown on mobile spammers, SMS spam and SMiShing continue to grow at a rapid pace, as there are billions of mobile phone subscribers who use text messaging,” said Thomas Lippert, product management, Sophos.
“And more spam means greater annoyance and risk to consumers, as many people trust messages that come directly to their phones or don’t necessarily think about what links they’re actually clicking. The latest version of Sophos Mobile Security allows users to easily prevent the onset of SMiShing.”
Sophos Mobile Security is offered for free in its stand-alone version at Google Play. Additionally, Sophos Mobile Security integrates into the company’s flagship mobile device management and security solution, Sophos Mobile Control, providing full administrator management and compliance enforcement.
