Bloatware may have been cut down significantly on the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, but Samsung will still preload certain apps on its brand new flagship devices, or offer them through its Galaxy Gifts program. In addition to a bunch of Microsoft apps that you’ll find on the handset out-of the box, the company also announced a partnership with Intel to include one important security application on the handsets.
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It was actually Intel Security on Monday that announced both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge will come with VirusScan Mobile pre-installed, a security application that should protect users from Android malware, worms, Trojans and “other malicious code.”
Even though many Android device users already know how to protect themselves against the growing malware threat, plenty of Android smartphones and tablet buyers experienced such problems, at least in certain markets, and Samsung seems to be interested in avoiding such issues with its flagship line of devices.
“With the pre-installed security solution, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge users will have the latest anti-malware technology already built in and activated on their new devices,” Samsung Mobile Communications Division vice president of security R&D Henry Lee said. “We are working closely with partners to offer first grade security solutions so consumers feel safe and secure in the digital world.”
The full press release follows below.
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INTEL SECURITY TO PROTECT GALAXY S6 SMARTPHONES
Anti-Malware Technology to be Pre-installed on Customers’ Devices GloballyNews Highlights:
· Samsung Galaxy S6 devices worldwide will come pre-installed with McAfee VirusScan Mobile™ anti-malware technology from Intel Security™Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain — March 2, 2015 – Intel Security today announced that Samsung will be providing Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphone users with a security solution to help keep them safe from a growing number of mobile threats. For the first time, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge will be pre-installed with VirusScan Mobile technology. With this agreement, customers’ Galaxy S6 devices will be protected by anti-malware technology that provides users with a more secure online mobile experience.
The threat of complex hacks continues to expand as the world becomes even more connected as mobile devices become pervasive. From the “celebgate” attack that leaked photos of many popular celebrities, to mobile spyware, attacks on IoT devices, and the growth of mobile payments, the vulnerabilities to mobile devices and potential risks are greater than ever. According to a new report by McAfee Labs, mobile malware, which includes viruses, as well as malicious apps and URLs, increased by 14 percent during the fourth quarter of 2014. The report also found that the infection rate for mobile malware has increased significantly, with at least 8 percent of all systems reporting an infection since Q4 2013.
“We live in an unprecedented era of connectivity, where users are doing just about everything on their mobile devices – from banking to shopping to filing taxes – potentially putting their sensitive data and privacy at risk,” said John Giamatteo, SVP and GM at Intel Security. “With the help of Intel Security, all Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge users can receive protection to enable safe online experiences.”
Security solutions from Intel Security are already available from a majority of PC manufacturers worldwide. With this pre-installed technology, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge users will have anti-malware scanning and protection already built in and activated on their new devices so they can explore the mobile world with confidence.
“With the pre-installed security solution, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge users will have the latest anti-malware technology already built in and activated on their new devices,” said Henry Lee, VP of Security R&D, Samsung Mobile Communications Division. “We are working closely with partners to offer first grade security solutions so consumers feel safe and secure in the digital world.”
McAfee VirusScan Technology
McAfee VirusScan Mobile is an anti-malware system that scans apps and files on both the device and SD Card, helping to prevent corruption from viruses, worms, Trojans, and other malicious code.Availability
Samsung Galaxy S6 devices will be shipping with McAfee VirusScan pre-installed. There is no additional purchase necessary.
