Leading computer security company, Kaspersky Lab, has introduced its beta-version of parental control solution for smartphones and tablets running on the Android operating system platform.

With the explosive popularity of tablets and smartphone devices, particularly Android ones - accounting for 48 per cent of smartphone sales worlwide, users are currently more connected than ever.

Alexander Erofeev, head of strategic marketing and brand communication at Kaspersky Lab, said: “Considering such growth, hackers today have fast made their move towards using the Android platform for their own financial gain, resulting in increased targeted malware attacks towards mobile users of this platform.”

“What is interesting to note however, is that in a recent study undertaken by Kaspersky Lab, in approximately 13 per cent of the households surveyed, children have access to either their own or their parents’ mobile devices running android, meaning that they too are able to access the internet and are therefore susceptible to such malware threats, among other unsolicited content.”

The Kaspersky Parental Control beta application provides an easy and convenient way for parents to manage this through making smartphones safer for their children, as it offers visibility around how their children are using mobile phones and the content they are exposed to.

Key features include:
* Web filtering - blocks sites with inappropriate content, such as pornography, violence and drugs
* Application control capabilities - allows parents to control which applications can be run on their family’s Android devices

“Today, children are inquisitive and tech savvy by nature and certainly the internet and rise of the mobile device has provided the perfect platform for engaging their enquiring minds instantly,” Erofeev said.

“However, as always, with the positives comes the negatives, and as such parents need to make sure they invest in a mobile security solution that plays the role of an online guardian – a digital babysitter for their children and the key to an enjoyable and safe online experience for the entire family.”

Kaspersky Lab parental control for Android OS is currently available as a free beta application. – TradeArabia News Service