Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds 3.5 Released

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.symantec.com/about/news/release/article.jsp?prid=20060130_01' target='_blank'>http://www.symantec.com/about/news/...rid=20060130_01</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: SYMC) today announced Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds Corporate Edition 3.5, a comprehensive virus protection solution designed to secure wireless devices running on Palm OS, Microsoft Windows Mobile and Pocket PC platforms. Available now, Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds Corporate Edition 3.5 helps safeguard corporate assets and protects against the potential spread of malicious code downloaded from the Web, email or a Wi-Fi connection, or beamed via Bluetooth or infrared ports. With new configuration management capabilities using Symantec Client Security with the Symantec System Center console, IT organizations can improve their overall corporate security posture with greater control over securing wireless devices accessing sensitive company data... Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds Corporate Edition 3.5 enables secure mobile computing through on-device, real-time scanning and alerting of potential security threats. Flexible on-demand, scheduled and automatic scan options provide continuous, up-to-date virus definitions via Wireless LiveUpdate for virus removal, repair and the deleting of infected files. The 3.5 version also enables customers using Symantec Client Security deployed with the Symantec System Center console to easily install a plug-in to manage configurations and policy enforcement over mobile devices. Additionally, support is now available for all Windows Mobile platforms, with the exception of Windows Smartphone, in addition to all Pocket PC and Palm OS platforms."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060131-SAVH35.jpg" /><br /><br />Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds has just been updated with a new centralised management interface and support for Windows Mobile 5.0. While the package offers a nice real-time virus scanning and alert solution, its value on the Windows Mobile platform is certainly questionable.

[Raphael Salgado]

Last I heard or remembered, there was, like 3 rare virus signatures in the definition library... hardly a reason to warrant an install of the program.

Have we come to a point yet where antivirus software for handhelds is a necessity?

[PDANEWBIE]

I doubt its a requirement but I really do like this part -

The 3.5 version also enables customers using Symantec Client Security deployed with the Symantec System Center console to easily install a plug-in to manage configurations and policy enforcement over mobile devices

Would be very handy for configuring in the enterprise. Now can anyone tell me does this virus scanner scan only for known PPC viruses or does it scan all documents for the known PC viruses as well? That may be worth it (I doubt its the second one because the footprint on the device owuld probably be alot larger).

[Ward]

Totally unnecessary. Its snake oil!

:roll:

[Darius Wey]

Have we come to a point yet where antivirus software for handhelds is a necessity?

To my understanding, Duts, Brador, and the AV test virus are still the only ones targeting the Pocket PC. Installing a mobile AV program does seem like a waste of space and system resources.

[Darius Wey]

...or does it scan all documents for the known PC viruses as well? That may be worth it (I doubt its the second one because the footprint on the device owuld probably be alot larger).

That's very unlikely. The sheer size of the virus definition would simply hog storage space. And, even if it did scan for document viruses, they wouldn't affect your Pocket PC.

[rob_ocelot]

...or does it scan all documents for the known PC viruses as well? That may be worth it (I doubt its the second one because the footprint on the device owuld probably be alot larger).

That's very unlikely. The sheer size of the virus definition would simply hog storage space. And, even if it did scan for document viruses, they wouldn't affect your Pocket PC.

True, but I can see a situation where a PocketPC or PPC phone could be used as a vector for transferring PC virii. Activesync would be the weakest link in the chain and probably the reason why WiFi syncing was removed with version 4. MS would just rather limit the avenues of attack, rather than actaully solve the problem.

Of course, the problem with discussing computer security is that you inevitably end up giving virus/malware writers new ideas for attacks :devilboy:

[Eriq Cook]

Is this really necessary right now? The last thing I want is a bloated AntiVirus program running on my Pocket PC. I can't even imagine using it normally with something like this installed.

Also, due to the amount of memory most handhelds have (less than 100MB of usable memory), what type of data can I hacker really obtain? I don't forsee a need for this until the next 1 or 2 generations of handheld computers.

[ctmagnus]

Bleh... I hope it's a lot less of a resource hog than NAV2006 is. And that it doesn't muck with System Restore, the way NAV2006 does. ;)

[PDANEWBIE]

Thank you rob_ocelot thats just what I was thinking... someone downloads a file onto a PC, syncs it without scanning it, and then next thing you know you copy that file to other PC's and you have a virus passing device.

Not that PPC's are that big in the general scheme of user ways to pass viruses but hey theres the potential there.

I agree with the size thing that was my thoughts on why its not done to begin with.

Of course, the problem with discussing computer security is that you inevitably end up giving virus/malware writers new ideas for attacks

Its funny you mention that I had a conversation with a self proclaimed propagatisit of malware/viruses and it was funny to hear how many security related books and subscriptions and seminars he has under his belt. Well he does have to keep one step ahead of what is being implemented. Its quite intriguing at how bright these people actually are its a shame to know they are so bright and use their talents for nerfaroius purposes.

[Kacey Green]

not a wise use of resources, even if used as a carrier (whats the term for a carrier that doesn't get infected?)

[ctmagnus]

whats the term for a carrier that doesn't get infected?

Host? Or does a host get infected and the carrier just transmits the virus/disease/bad stuff from one location to another?