September 4, 2013 - 16:14 AMT
Samsung signs deal for better protection of Android devices

Samsung has signed a deal with an anti-virus firm to offer improved protection to its Galaxy-branded Android devices, according to BBC News.

It will use San Francisco-based Lookout's software to scan handsets and tablets for threats.

The feature will be targeted at business users as part of the firm's forthcoming Knox security product, which was announced in February.

Numerous studies have indicated that many hackers have focused their efforts on Google's Android system.

Analysts said the move was designed to reassure companies that Samsung's Android phones were a safe alternative to the Blackberry and Windows Phone platforms which have promoted their enterprise security facilities as key features.

CEO and co-founder of Lookout John Hering said: “Our mission has always been to protect every mobile device, and today 45 million people worldwide use our product and mobile operators globally partner with us to secure their customers’ devices. This growth strengthens our security platform and sets the stage for us to expand and build security offerings for businesses and enterprises. Already more than 50% of the Fortune 1000 companies have employees using Lookout to protect their phones. Today, Lookout is excited to announce that it is expanding into business and will deliver our offering for business mobile security in the coming months.

As part of our move into the business space, I’m pleased to announce an exciting partnership with Samsung that will bring Lookout’s security to mobile devices with Samsung KNOX, Samsung’s secure device offering for business. Samsung KNOX is setting a standard for enterprise security on Android, and we’re thrilled Samsung selected Lookout to take KNOX business security to the next level. Wherever KNOX will be, Lookout will be there, too.”

Other anti-virus firms have also been quick to play up the threat to Android devices, the BBC says.

Kaspersky recently announced that it had detected 57,000 new examples of malware specifically targeting the operating system since the start of the year.

McAfee has also warned that new types of spyware and code designed to bypass bank ID protection had helped swell the amount of Android malware by 35% in the April-to-June quarter.

The U.S. government has also issued its own alert suggesting 79% of all malware threats to mobile operating systems were directed at Android in 2012.

Samsung began offering its Knox product to selected Galaxy S4 handsets in May and has promised it would be extended to other devices.

The Pentagon is among organizations to have authorized the use of handsets which include the feature.