Sophos adds mobile threat defense app to Intercept X line
Intercept X for Mobile is compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as Chrome OS and Chromebooks. It offers privacy protection, authentication and other security features.
Security vendor Sophos this month expanded its endpoint protection lineup with Intercept X for Mobile. The new mobile security application extends the company's Intercept security software to devices including phones, tablets and laptops.
The new offering is meant to bolster mobile threat defense for devices running on Android, iOS and Chrome. Features include:
- Authenticator: Helps to manage multi-factor authentication passwords for sites like Google, Amazon and Facebook.
- Secure QR code scanner: Scans target URLs for malicious content.
- Privacy protection: Detects when personal data is accessed or if there are hidden costs associated with downloaded apps.
"The biggest unique point of the Intercept X model is that we are a security model, and we do security for different platforms and can be configured in one place," said Petter Nordwall, director of product management at Sophos. "Intercept X, as a whole, can now protect Windows, Mac iOS, Chromebooks and servers. Regardless of what platform they use, they can use Intercept X."
Sophos introduced Intercept X in 2016 as a cloud-based tool designed to enhance endpoint security already running in an environment. Intercept X for Server was introduced in December 2018; an update launched in May 2019 added endpoint protection and response features.
Mobile threats on the rise
In "Advance and Improve Your Mobile Security Strategy," a recent report from Gartner, senior analyst Patrick Hevesi found that "mobile security products are becoming increasingly important as a rate of mobile attacks continues to grow." Hevesi recommended tech professionals track new threats, build a mobile threat defense strategy and set minimum iOS and hardware versions.
He added that organizations should focus on training users on what threats actually look like, rather than letting the systems do all the work.
"Everyone is doing antiphishing training, but think about the application," Hevesi said. "The user doesn't think about mobile in the same way; they see a highly rated app and don't think about why the app needs permission to my contact data."
Pricing for Intercept X for Mobile ranges from $24.50 to $63 per 100 seats depending on the addition of Sophos' mobile, a unified endpoint management system. Intercept X for Mobile is available free for download for individual use, from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
