SANTA CLARA, Calif.-The virus protection business of Network Associates Inc. said it will jump into the wireless industry in order to protect wireless users from the potential threat of wirelessly transmitted computer viruses, and announced partnerships with processor company Texas Instruments Inc. and operating system provider Symbian to further its efforts.
The company’s moves come in conjunction with a study Network Associates commissioned, which found that wireless security breaches will cost North American mobile operators around $4 billion by 2005. Network Associates commissioned Mercer Management Consulting to conduct the study.
The McAfee Security division of Network Associates said it will focus on two areas: working with mobile operators, platform providers and device manufacturers, as well as businesses using wireless technology.
“Wireless technology has changed the landscape of communications. With increased mobility comes the challenge of ensuring that data-centric wireless networks and devices are secure,” said Arvind Narain, senior vice president of McAfee Security. “As an industry leader, McAfee Security is offering the mobile security needed for today’s emerging threats through its partnerships and technology innovation.”
Two of the most-cited incidents of wireless security breaches include a virus in Spain that spread through text messages, and another in Japan in 2000 that caused user’s mobile phones to dial the country’s emergency services number.
Internet virus company Brightmail Inc. has also entered the wireless industry.
