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Paul Korzeniowski

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Webroot Secures Android Devices

Google Android systems have become the most popular smartphone platform, according to recent market research reports. Consequently, small and medium businesses need tools to manage those systems, and Webroot became the latest vendor to try to address that need.

By Paul Korzeniowski InformationWeek
April 04, 2011 10:22 AM

Google Android systems have become the most popular smartphone platform, according to recent market research reports. Consequently, small and medium businesses need tools to manage those systems, and Webroot became the latest vendor to try to address that need.Webroot Mobile Security for Android is designed to protect Android smartphones and tablets. The product relies on cloud-based URL scanning to assess the safety of website links and block threats before users click on them. In addition, the security system scans applications before they are installed to ensure they are safe. The solution runs in background and automatically checks for updates, so businesses have the latest protection.

This product was built to protect the identity and personal information of individuals whose mobile device are lost or stolen. The security solution locks a mobile device, so it can't be used by outsiders, and wipes contact information, text messages, and other personal data from the system. In case the user has forgotten the password, the application sends a temporary access code to a trusted friend. Users can track the device: a map shows where it is located, and a loud alert is sounded once the person is in range of the system.

Founded in 1997, Webroot has done a good job carving out a niche in the highly competitive security software market. While its products have had a bit more of a consumer focus than a business thrust, many small and medium businesses have turned to its wares because of their low cost and easy deployment. These organizations are struggling to manage the ever growing array of handheld devices that users are buying, including Google Android systems, which have become quite popular. So small and medium businesses may want to take a look at what Webroot has to offer.

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