Optus offers mobile security and management for SMBs

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 16:47

Business IT - Security

Optus has released a range of mobile device security and management applications aimed at small business, as part of the Optus OfficeApps suite of cloud based services.

Optus launched OfficeApps in June with an initial suite of Google Apps.

The new mobile security apps are provided by F-Secure, whose technology underpins the Optus Smart Safe data backup service for consumer mobiles and laptops that Optus launched in May. However the new offering is available only to business customers (ie those with an ABN).

OfficeApps Mobile Security gives users the ability to lock, wipe and reset the password of any supported device within their business from the OfficeApps portal or from another mobile phone. Data on devices is also protected by anti-virus software.

OfficeApps Mobile Security will be available to SMBs on a 12-month contract at $5 per mobile device, with a free introductory period of two months. Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile devices are supported, but not Apple iOS devices.

The service is accessible through a single OfficeApps web portal (www.optusofficeapps.com.au) which provides control over a range of both fixed-location and mobile devices. It is designed to enable a single administrator to have overall control over all phones used by a business - so might not be viewed very favourably where employees use their own phone for business purposes.

However it does not appear to provide management and control of applications, as some mobile device management systems do. Specific features offered are:
Remote Lock: Allows users to lock their stolen or lost device to protect confidential information with a single SMS message from any secondary mobile phone;
 Remote Locate: Provides a GPS map location of a lost or stolen device with a single SMS message from any secondary mobile phone (assuming it can 'see' GPS satellites);
Remote Wipe: Enables users to erase all data on the device;
SIM Card Alert: the device is automatically locked when the SIM Card is changed and the new mobile number is sent to a nominated mobile number;
 Anti-Virus ï‚· Spyware and Malware Protection: Protects against spyware and espionage software that may monitor and record all the actions on a mobile phone including voice calls, SMS and email messages
Browser Protection: Identifies which websites are safe and which should be avoided