Kaspersky Lab is beginning open beta testing of a new generation protection system for Symbian smartphones, and is inviting all interested parties to participate.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Mobile is a fully functional, integrated security solution that uses advanced technology to protect smartphones against malicious programs and unwanted SMS/MMS messages or spam. It provides antivirus protection from Symbian smartphones both on access (viruses are intercepted in real-time) and on demand (the program scans files on the smartphone, including memory extension cards). The solution also protects the mobile device against spam in the form of SMS/MMS messages using a blacklist. The user can control the program’s settings, view current antivirus protection status and the event log where the program’s actions are recorded.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus Mobile includes antivirus database updating that ensures that the device is protected against the latest malicious programs. Updating can be performed automatically using a scheduling tool or manually, on the user’s demand. Database updates are downloaded via WAP or HTTP from Kaspersky Lab servers. Kaspersky Anti-Virus Mobile takes advantage of advanced features found in today’s smartphones and uses the device’s web browser to receive antivirus database updates and information about the viruses detected.

It offers users significantly extended functionality from previous systems, including:

• scanning of individual objects (files or folders);
• and isolation of infected objects in a dedicated quarantine storage area to prevent deletion of important information.

The antivirus protection has become even more reliable due to the feature of unpacking and scanning the contents of .sis files, which are often used by cybercriminals for distributing malicious code.