Security suite coming soon for the iPhone

Apple's iPhone is becoming a bigger target for malicious users, with several security holes found since the product's launch last year. Secure Mobile Systems' Security Shield seeks to add an additional layer of protection against spamming and possible data theft.

Security Shield is a three-part contraption, containing: VirusGuard, which promises not to negatively impact phone performance while ensuring viruses and malware do not damage the phone; PointGuard, a phone call and text messaging filtering technology that allows users to block or limit messages and calls from certain callers or strangers; and SMobile Firewall, which monitors and possibly filters inbound traffic through the phone. Security Shield users have the ability to control what is filtered and all data is saved to a log so users are able to go back and see what traffic the firewall has blocked.

AT&T, Samsung, Nokia and VeriSign have previously tested earlier editions of Security Shield, and have come away supporters. A future edition is expected for Google Android phones. While some SMobile apps are available separately, the complete Security Shield package will likely be licensed to AT&T contract holders on an annual basis, with the final price at AT&T's discretion.

Security issues have been even more prevalent in certain parts of Asia and Europe, since security and piracy laws to protect mobile phone users are sometimes non-existent. A published report by Juniper Research in late 2006 predicted a $5 billion mobile phone security market by 2011 - as more companies begin to take mobile security seriously as the numbers of attacks also increase.