AVG Mobile Security BETA released for Symbian UIQ 3 smartphones

I’m not aware of any existing virus for Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) Symbian UIQ 3-based smartphones. Yet, the company that develops the popular AVG security software Grisoft announced AVG Mobile Security BETA for the mentioned devices (Sony Ericsson M600, W950 and P990). They want to scare us or what? Symbian v9.x that runs under the UIQ 3 is known for its security, and so far not a single REAL virus have appeared for the platform. I can imagine using the Grisoft’s mobile security software only to protect myself against the SMS spam, but there’s where it ends. Anyway, check out the full release after the jump.

Millburn, N.J. – June 12, 2007 – GRISOFT, the developer of AVG Internet security software, today announced the latest addition to its growing security products portfolio, AVG Mobile Security. AVG Mobile Security is currently in the BETA testing stage, and available for free download from www.avg.com with a registration to a BETA portal. The system currently protects Symbian UIQ 3.0 platform mobile phones, compatible with Sony Ericsson P990i, M600i and W950i devices and will be extended to protect additional mobile phones.

The new AVG Mobile Security features anti-virus and SMS anti-spam to protect against unwanted messages and advertising. It also includes advanced functions such as comprehensive system settings, planning and scanning exceptions that are offered with other AVG products.

The estimated number of mobile viruses and threats to mobile phones today is about 350 and continues to increase. According to recently published studies, the number of virus attacks on mobile phones rose fivefold within the last year, affecting customers of more than 80% of mobile operators worldwide. Thousands of mobile phones have been targets of successful attacks, resulting in disabled phones or high bills caused by unwanted messages and calls.

“As our first product for mobile phones, the new AVG Mobile Security platform was designed to help users keep their mobile communications secure at all times,” explains Larry Bridwell, VP Global Security Strategies at GRISOFT. “Hackers are now finding ways to access mobile phone data and we want to ensure that our users stay protected. We look forward to building upon this product and extending AVG’s comprehensive and unobtrusive security to protect as many mobile phones as possible.”

The new user group will be attached to forum that will be a portal for users to share their experiences testing the software and gain useful advice and insight from other users. AVG Mobile Security is continuously undergoing updates through a worldwide professional distribution system of more than 10,000 servers, allowing rapid reaction to emerging threats.

GRISOFT continues to offer a full security software portfolio to protect computers. The latest editions of AVG Internet Security and AVG Anti-Virus with Anti-Spyware are available online and through various retailers nationwide.