Nokia, Pointsec Partner For Security On Mobiles

Nokia is working with Swedish security technology specialist Pointsec Mobile Technologies AB on an encryption tool suitable for high end mobile phones that use the Nokia Series 60 and Series 80 operating system as well as the 9500 Communicator.

Dubbed the Pointsec for Symbian, the software will encrypt data, including MMS, SMS, e-mail and user data held on memory cards. The tool will be available within weeks and be sold through Pointsec's system integrators and reseller channels. The first device to have the enterprise data security option will be the 9500.

Data security on mobiles has become a major concern as more people send images and texts over their phones. Earlier this year, the so-called Cabir worm program caused a major alert as it started compromising smart phones that run on the Symbian OS. Panu Kuusisto, Director, Alliances at Nokia Enterprise Solutions, commented: "As devices become increasingly sophisticated and more company sensitive information is stored on them, it is vital to bring the same level of security to mobile devices as currently exists on wired IT devices such as laptops." In addition to data encryption, Pointsec for Symbian includes a novel PicturePIN user authentication tool that ensures data will not be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Pointsec uses this technology in other access controlling and encryption systems it sells for a range of mobile phones, PDAs and laptops.