SIM platform gains antivirus support

M-Systems and F-Secure have developed a mobile antivirus solution for deployment on high-density SIM cards powered by M-Systems' MegaSIM platform.

M-Systems and F-Secure have developed a mobile antivirus solution for deployment on high-density SIM cards powered by M-Systems' MegaSIM platform.

The combination of the MegaSIM platform and F-Secure's Mobile Anti-Virus is set to protect mobile handsets and mobile network operators (MNOs) from viruses, Trojan horses, and worms, ultimately enabling smarter mobile services.

With the increased usage of mobile devices with open operating systems, MNOs need improved protection against viruses, Trojan horses and worms.

Nowadays, smartphones are at risk as they are similar in functionality to actual personal computers.

Their vulnerability arises from the presence of an open operating system that, allowing for an Internet connection, exposes the phone to risks from such activities as sending of e-mail messages, exchange of MMS and WAP messages, as well as the use of accessories and tools.

Communications that take place through Bluetooth or infra-red connections become therefore potential vehicles for viruses.

The MegaSIM platform for high-density SIM cards includes smart card level security, physical and protocol integrity, and a high-speed data protocol.

The MegaSIM platform enhances F-Secure's Mobile Anti-Virus.

F-Secure's software-based protection can now also be installed directly onto the high-density SIM rather than tied to the handset, so that MNOs can send updates directly over a wireless connection.

In addition, the MegaSIM platform can store a personal subscription key, so that the subscriber can be protected against viruses both on their work and private handsets - simply by transferring the SIM card.

Leveraging M-Systems' Flash expertise with its field-proven M-Safe crypto core technology, globally trusted in millions of smart cards, the MegaSIM platform, incorporating M-Systems' TrueFFS Flash file management, combines high-density Flash storage (64Mbyte to 1Gbyte), processing power, high-speed data protocols and crypto functionality.

M-Systems' MegaSIM platform far enhances typical SIM architecture while maintaining full compatibility with legacy industry standards.

SIM cards powered by M-Systems' MegaSIM platform, such as M-Systems' M-SIM MegaSIM series, will provide MNOs with an intuitive, ubiquitous interface and a high-density, high-speed platform.

By deploying these SIM cards, MNOs can increase revenue streams, while at the same time offer a new sales channel for software developers and, last but not least, a smarter mobile usage experience for subscribers.

"The latest generation cellular phones are no longer pure communication devices: they are intelligent multimedia centres to be used both for work and leisure and therefore cellular phones have become a potentially tempting target for attacks".

"It makes sense to combine the Subscriber Identity Module (the SIM card) with virus protection as a service providing frequent and automatic up-dates for the user", said Anton von Troyer, Marketing Director of F-Secure.

"It is easy to use F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus as the service will follow the subscriber regardless of the terminal they are using".

"After all, changing phones is common but changing the SIM card happens less frequently".

"This will ensure continued protection against viruses, worms and Trojans, as well as emerging threats".

"By offering high-density Flash memory, smart card security, high performance and processing power all within the SIM, M-Systems' MegaSIM platform brings a unique value proposition to the mobile ecosystem", said Simone Cavallo, general manager of M-Systems' MNO division.

"The combination the MegaSIM platform with F-Secure's Mobile Anti-Virus solution maximises these benefits for the MNO by enabling SIM card-based wireless antivirus services and a content security solution for the MNO's value-added services layer, making mobile services smarter".

F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus and other mobile service-enhancing applications running on high-density SIM cards powered by M-Systems' MegaSIM platform are on show at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona until 16th February 2006.

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