COLUMBUS, Ohio  -- SMobile Systems has created the first mobile security solution for devices coming to market using the Android platform, the Google-initiated, Linux-based open source mobile operating system.

On Monday, November 12, the Open Handset Alliance released the Android's software development kit. SMobile's team of security engineers immediately went to work to create a security solution designed specifically for the platform.

Today, SMobile Systems announced its standard security offering, called SecurityShield(TM) -- an integrated application that includes anti-virus, anti-spam and firewall protection-- is up and running on the Android operating system.

"We believe that the launch of Android powered phones will usher in a period when the use of smartphones will skyrocket," said Rick Roscitt, chairman and chief executive officer, SMobile Systems.  "As more consumers in the U.S. begin using their mobile devices as mini-computers for surfing the web and downloading third-party applications, mobile security becomes of paramount importance.  Without security, millions of people could be at risk for hackers, spammers and others intent on stealing crucial personal, financial and even health information from their new Google-powered phones."

The company plans on adapting the remainder of their applications to the Android platform in the coming weeks and months.  Additionally, SMobile plans on creating new security products specifically tailored to Android, including an advanced application level firewall and system monitor.  Currently, the Android platform does not allow the user to decide whether an application can make phones calls, send text or multi-media messages or make connections to the Internet during normal device use.  This means that a virus can pose as an application and do things like dial phone numbers, send text messages and other functions that can cost the user money and leave their highly personal information vulnerable. The new technologies under development at SMobile will protect users against these new threats.

"SMobile believes that the Linux-based operating system will quickly enable hackers to explore and eventually exploit any security holes in the core Google software as well as third party software, allowing phishers, spammers, and others to look for ways to target user's information for ill intent," said George Tuvell, chief technology officer, SMobile Systems.  "We have years of experience porting our applications into new mobile operating systems and developing the best mobile security products on the market.  As leaders in this industry it is our responsibility to rapidly meet new market demands and respond to new market threats."

About SMobile

SMobile, Inc. has created the first and only complete line of products and services that securely protect mobile phones and the global wireless infrastructure from hackers, viruses, data compromise, unauthorized data theft and the effects of lost or stolen devices.  The company's security applications include virus and malware detection, text message and data filtering, prevention of unwanted messages from interrupting the user, spam blocking, enterprise management, protection for mobile professionals from harmful data on open networks and data security and password-protection for content and files. SMobile is headquartered in Columbus, OH with facilities in Fort Lee, N.J., Dortmund, Germany, and Pune, India. The company is privately held.