Symantec today announced the availability of Symantec Client Security for the Nokia 9500 Communicator and Nokia 9300 smartphone.

The new solution increases users' confidence in using their Nokia devices to connect to the Internet, check e-mail, download files, and to be more productive while safeguarding against the risk of losing valuable information due to viruses, worms or other malicious attacks.

Symantec Client Security for the Nokia devices is among the world's first embedded security solutions for the Symbian operating system based devices, and is Symantec's latest offering in the wireless handheld market. Featuring the world's first integrated mobile antivirus and firewall protection, the software will be provided preloaded on the phones' memory cards and can be updated wirelessly through Symantec LiveUpdate. It provides enhanced protection through integrated threat response and management capabilities.

Of crucial importance to corporations, the new software prevents unwanted network intrusions from entering or spreading to or from Nokia 9500 Communicator and 9300 smartphone business devices. Configuration management features allow administrators to manage the Nokia devices locally and remotely, and configure, lock and enforce security policies. Symantec Client Security for Nokia devices extends existing IT security policies to these new endpoint devices, enabling workforce mobility while keeping corporate infrastructure protected.

"As communication continues to accelerate toward being both instantaneous and global, individuals are demanding access to information for their personal and business needs, while corporations are more keenly aware than ever of the need to protect their infrastructure and brand assets," said Lily De Los Rios, Symantec vice president, product delivery. "Symantec Client Security for the Nokia 9500 Communicator and 9300 smartphone enables access to vital information while safeguarding individuals and corporations from electronic threats."

"Mobile phones and smart handheld devices will become an increasingly more tempting target for virus writers over the next few years," reports IDC analyst Sally Hudson.

"Nokia is delighted to be working with Symantec to secure its recently announced business optimized devices," said Panu Kuusisto, director of Alliance Development for Nokia's enterprise unit. "Symantec's integrated antivirus and firewall protection for the Nokia 9500 Communicator and 9300 smartphone will provide the much needed peace of mind CIOs and business decision makers require when considering a business mobility deployment."

The Nokia 9500 Communicator with Symantec Client Security is currently available in Europe, and some Pacific Rim countries. It is planned to be available in the United States in the first quarter of 2005.