Sprint beefs up wireless security services

Network World - Sprint Corp. yesterday announced a new suite of security services for its wireless users that includes authentication, threat protection and policy enforcement on smart phones from any wireless service provider.

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

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

Sprint Mobile Security enforces password policies 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 virtual private network, the service provider said.

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

The offering lets customers set up to 150 security policies, which could cover how or when applications are accessed remotely, ensure that employees comply with industry regulations or verify 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 noncompliance.

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 in an effort 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 service is available now for $9 per month, per user.