Trend Micro releases updated version of mobile security software

Trend Micro, a leading developer of mobile security solutions, has launched the latest version of its popular Trend Micro Mobile Security software. The latest version was inspired by the rising frequency of malware that specifically targets the Android platform as well as the privacy concerns that continue to plague Facebook and other social networking sites. As smartphones and tablets become more common, security is becoming a serious issue that has only recently been receiving significant attention.

New Android threats being discovered on a daily basis

According to Trend Micro, more than 350,000 unique malware applications targeting the Android platform have emerged throughout the world over the past year. These are only applications that security firms have discovered, Trend Micro suggests that there are at least one million malicious applications that have yet to be uncovered. Many of these applications are designed to steal a consumer’s personal information and use this information for some kind of gain.

Facebook information may be at risk of theft

Trend Micro notes that privacy concerns regarding social networking sites are also becoming a serious issue, especially among mobile consumers. According to the firm, approximately 680 million people access Facebook through their smartphone or tablet. Because many mobile devices do not have inherent security features, the information being shared with Facebook is not completely protected, putting this information at risk of theft and exploitation.

Trend Micro offers new mobile security tools to keep consumers safe

The Trend Micro Mobile Security software is designed to protect the Android platform and users of the Facebook mobile application. The software provides a fast scanning feature that can quickly and effectively root out malware that may have infected a user’s mobile device. It also helps Facebook users improve their privacy settings to make their information more secure through the social network. The new software is expected to be a major benefit for those that are concerned with mobile security and keeping their information free from the threat of exploitation.

The two companies have come together to help to turn smartphones in a digital form of wallet.

Samsung and Visa have just announced that they will be working together to help to speed up the worldwide adoption of mobile payments services, by combining their expertise and technology.

This new combined effort will be based on NFC technology that is embedded in certain Samsung devices.

Called the Visa Mobile Provisioning Service, is designed to allow financial institutions to take advantage of transactions using mobile payments account information that is securely downloaded through the use of NFC technology.

Furthermore, the Visa payWave mobile payments applet will be loaded onto Samsung NFC devices.

This will automatically turn smartphones into a mobile payments option for the consumers who purchase them. According to the global head of product at Visa, Jim McCarthy, in a statement, “Samsung devices enabled with Visa payment functionality will no doubt be a powerful product offering — especially in markets where paying with a mobile device is becoming commonplace.”

McCarthy also added that the heart of ensuring that mobile payments become widely available worldwide is to provide financial institutions with a secure way of offering these millions of smartphone carriers with a way to safely store and transmit their account data. He explained that “that is exactly what Visa and Samsung are ready to deliver.”

This is not the first time that Samsung and Visa have worked together on mobile payments initiatives. They previously came together in May 2012 to take part in the trial that was held during the Olympics in London, when the limited edition Galaxy S III smartphone was distributed among the athletes for use during the games. Those phones had the payWave technology built in and allowed the users to register so that they could use the device to for a digital checkout at certain retailers in the city.

The next version of the device, the Galaxy S IV, will have the Visa mobile payments technology built right into it for use with its NFC chip. It is expected to be unveiled on March 14 at a press event.