F-Secure Corporation has partnered with Orange to offer an automatic antivirus service in Switzerland. The F-Secure Mobile Antivirus Software is downloaded directly to a user’s mobile phone from the mobile Internet portal Orange World while automatic updates ensure the best possible protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, etc. The F-Secure Mobile Antivirus Software can be tested for one month free of charge. After the free trial period, virus protection costs three Swiss francs a month

Mobile phones are becoming increasingly multifunctional with such features as mail exchange, data exchange using Bluetooth, infrared or cable, receipt of MMS messages and downloads from the Internet. Even though the risk of catching viruses, worms, Trojans, etc. on the mobile phone is still negligible in comparison with that in the world of PCs, the possibility of a virus attack on a mobile phone or a PDA/Smartphone can no longer be ruled out.

"The danger of a virus attack on mobile phones, PDA/Smartphones is still small. Nevertheless both, private persons and companies, are showing great interest in a simple, cheap, effective security solution. This interest was also confirmed during the pilot phase we ran with F-Secure in the second half of 2005. Our partnership with F-Secure enables us to meet this need. It means that we are able to provide our customers with the security they expect when using the many different options for mobile communication," said Martin Troxler, Director Business Excellence at Orange, when summing up the development.

The F-Secure Antivirus Software is currently available for the following mobile phones and PDA/Smartphones: Nokia 3220/6260/6600/6630/6670/6680/6681/ 7610/N70 and N90, SPV M500/M1000/M2000 with Windows Mobile 2003 and SPV M5000 /M3000/C550 and C600 with Windows Mobile 5.0.

The Antivirus Software may be tested for a period of one month free of charge. For Orange customers who have subscribed to the Express or Power Option, the data transmission when downloading the software is already included in the monthly fee of five francs (Express Option) or 15 francs (Power Option). If the customer has not subscribed to the Express or Power Option, the standard UMTS/GPRS tariffs is charged for the data transmission of the download (this will, however, be no more than eight francs).

After the free trial period there will be a monthly charge of three francs for the automatic F-Secure Mobile Antivirus-Software updates. Charging is carried out simply and conveniently via SMS messages for which charges apply (three SMS’s at one franc each). The service can be cancelled at any time using the installed software. Charges for data transmission when updating the Antivirus Software are billed at the standard UMTS/GPRS rates.