Symantec preps antivirus for handhelds

CELL PHONES

» Coming soon
» Top 15
» Best-rated

LAPTOPS

» Coming soon
» Top 15
» Best-rated

CAMERAS

» Coming soon
» Top 15
» Best-rated

REVIEWS

» Cell phones
» Cameras
» Camcorders

» Archive	» Resource Center
» Compare	» Expert guides
» RSS & Alerts	» Ask The Editors

	Home / Cell phones

	Symantec preps antivirus for handhelds	By Jørgen Sundgot, Wednesday 25 June 2003

Signaling an end to virus-free handhelds, Symantec has now made available a beta version of its AntiVirus application for Pocket PC and Palm OS devices.

Having enjoyed blissful, virus-free days since the introduction of the original Palm Pilot, handheld owners could soon be facing a more hostile environment as sales numbers go up and mobile devices of all kinds and makes become proliferate. The question is not if viruses specifically targeting mobile devices will arrive - it is when, which has prompted Symantec to launch a beta of the consumer version of its AntiVirus application for handhelds.

Targeting Pocket PC and Palm OS device owners, Symantec is moving into uncharted territory with the beta version of its AntiVirus software for the two handheld platforms. Thus far, only a small number of viruses, trojan horses and other malicious code targeting devices based on these platforms have been discovered.

The beta release now made available is for the consumer version of Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds, whereas users interested in testing Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds - Corporate Edition must apply to the Symantec Enterprise Development Alliance program (EDAP).

Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds also has a service which users can choose to renew annually, keeping users up to date with the latest virus protection updates, features, and OS compatibility upgrades. The currently launched beta requires a Palm OS device running version 3.5 or higher of the operating system with HotSync 3.0.4 or higher, or a Pocket PC 2002 device with ActiveSync 3.5 or higher.