Mobile data security software, once meant for corporate information networks, is being primed for the mass market, as new viruses and other malicious programs threaten to infect handheld communications devices.
Industry experts say this is an initiative whose time has come because more wireless handsets, personal digital assistants and other portable communications gear are being used to handle increasing amounts of digital content over internet-linked cellular networks.
Matthew Moynahan, Symantec vice-president for consumer products and solutions, said: 'Data protection and security should be paramount for all wireless devices.'
He noted that a vast number of wireless subscribers - as with home and small-business PC users - needed an easy and cost-effective way to store and share digital photos, videos, MP3 files, e-mails and multimedia messages.
With demand for this type of protection expected to accelerate, Symantec plans to play up its wireless defence capabilities for consumer security products next year.
In 2000, Symantec announced the world's first anti-virus technology for Palm operated system-based handheld devices.
The firm has since enhanced its AntiVirus for Handhelds software to be used in Palm-powered devices and Windows Mobile-based products.