Absa has released free anti-virus software for its WAP cellphone banking clients, in a move it claims is an industry first.
According to Christo Vrey, Absa Group digital channels GM, the software will help to protect clients from security attacks when using mobile phones for banking.
"This initiative is part of Absa's full-value banking offering which provides its customers with secure and convenient banking."
PC-Cillin Mobile Security Software from Trend Micro is provided in partnership with local Trend Micro distributor SecureData and became available via the bank from 6 August. Vrey says Absa has also extended its free anti-virus offering to its Internet banking customers for another year, until 31 July 2008.
Vrey points out that analysts predict data-centric mobile devices will become the next major target for malware attacks, and the bank has taken the step to assist its customers to safeguard against these. The application can protect smart phones and wireless handheld devices against threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans and SMS text message spam. "The software works on both Symbian and Windows operating systems."
Initially, the mobile anti-virus software can only be downloaded through the anti-virus centre on the Absa Internet banking homepage. However, Vrey says downloads directly from a WAP-enabled mobile phone will be available soon.
"The software is easy to download and install, and can only be initiated by registered cellphone banking users. The software is valid for 365 days from the date of the download."
Vrey says downloading the software is not mandatory for the bank's cellphone banking customers, and those who opt not to download it and who are defrauded will have their cases assessed on an individual basis, as is Absa's policy with all customers.
The software is automatically updated, ensuring the user is safeguarded against new known mutations and virus developments, he says.
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