Sprint beefs up wireless security services

Sprint is expected to announce a new suite of security services for its wireless users on Tuesday that includes authentication, threat protection and policy enforcement on smart phones from any wireless service provider.

Sprint is announcing its Sprint Mobile Security service at Interop this week in New York City. Sprint is teaming with wireless security company Mobile Armor to support its new suite of services.

The service not only better secures smart phones and laptops for Sprint customers, but also can be used on the same devices on any wireless carrier’s network, says Barry Tishgart, a director of product marketing at Sprint.

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Sprint is expected to announce a new suite of security services for its wireless users on Tuesday that includes authentication, threat protection and policy enforcement on smart phones from any wireless service provider.

Sprint is announcing its Sprint Mobile Security service at Interop this week in New York City. Sprint is teaming with wireless security company Mobile Armor to support its new suite of services.

The service not only better secures smart phones and laptops for Sprint customers, but also can be used on the same devices on any wireless carrier’s network, says Barry Tishgart, a director of product marketing at Sprint.

Sprint Mobile Security enforces password polices using personal identification numbers and other user-specific credentials for authentication. Customers also have the option of encrypting specific files, a device or memory card. This same encryption can be used by mobile customers to securely access their corporate VPN, the service provider says.

The service also scans, identifies and removes malware, viruses, worms and the like from mobile devices using a firewall that resides on the handheld or laptop. This firewall also is used to block denial-of -service attacks.

The offering lets customers set up as many as 150 security polices, which could cover how or when applications are accessed remotely, ensure employees comply with industry regulations, or that they have the latest virus-scanning software. The system will automatically update devices with the software so users are not blocked from the network for non-compliance.

Sprint has incorporated some previously supported features with its Sprint Mobile Security package such as its ability to remotely lock a wireless device if reported lost or stolen and the ability to remotely erase all data from that device to protect corporate information.

The wireless service provider says it has been testing its mobile suite of security offerings with some business customers, but it would not name those users at press time. The offering is available for $9 per month, per user.

Read more about security in Network World's Security section.