F-Secure Unveils the World’s First Content Security Solution for Wireless Download Systems
[3GSM World Congress 2003, Cannes, France] F-Secure Corporation today announced F-Secure Mobile Filter, the world’s first content security solution for wireless download systems. It offers operators and service providers a means for filtering content in order to block harmful software and incompatible Java applications in the network before download to mobile phones. The solution also includes an automated service for updating the filtering criteria. In addition, the service provider can flexibly define rules for blocking undesired content.
Content distribution systems are becoming more complex. Currently, most systems offer simple SMS-based delivery of ringing tones and logos. The next generation more advanced systems allow operators and service providers to distribute multiple types of digital content from screen savers, polyphonic ringing tones and media clips to Java and Symbian applications.
Almost all new mobile phone models support Java and can download executable applications. The popularity of such downloads is expected to increase quickly with the introduction of new Java marketplaces, where a large community of independent software vendors offers applications to mobile phone users through a single service provider.
While the possibility to download advanced applications offers phone users more freedom of choice, the more open download environments raise new security concerns. It is no longer possible to verify the behaviour of all content on all device models before publishing. Therefore, content download solutions must be able to scan content to ensure the functionality of the downloaded applications.
“Security of services is a key distinctive factor between mobile operators as operator customers value reliability when selecting the service provider. Harmful content and incompatible Java applications may result in loss of revenue to the operators. For the majority of mobile phones, which still employ closed operating systems, the protection against harmful content must be in the network. F-Secure Mobile Filter offers operators and service providers a unique way to avoid content quality problems and ensures a positive download user experience,” said Juha Saksi, Director, Wireless Security, of F-Secure Corporation.
F-Secure Mobile Filter performs Java byte code analysis and antivirus scanning to block incompatible Java software and other harmful content in the network before downloading. The transparent proxy architecture allows easy integration with download platforms and a specific operator user interface offers possibilities to block unwanted functionality and even single incompatible Java functions. F-Secure Anti-Virus Research provides an automatic 24/7-update service to keep the content analysis database up to date.
F-Secure Mobile Filter will be available through F-Secure and selected download platform vendors during the second quarter of year.
About F-Secure
F-Secure Corporation is the leading provider of centrally managed security solutions for the mobile enterprise. The company’s award-winning products include antivirus, file encryption and network security solutions for major platforms from desktops to servers and from laptops to handhelds. Founded in 1988, F-Secure has been listed on the Helsinki Exchanges since November 1999. The company is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with the North American headquarters in San Jose, California, as well as offices in Germany, Sweden, Japan and the United Kingdom and regional offices in the USA. F-Secure is supported by a network of value added resellers and distributors in over 90 countries around the globe. Through licensing and distribution agreements, the company’s security applications are available for the products of the leading handheld equipment manufacturers, such as Nokia and HP.