As Android devices gain in popularity, so does its use by cybercriminals. New threats targeting Android devices are growing by 800 percent, since February 2011.Trend Micro has announced the latest addition to its mobile arsenal, the Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition, a solution designed to protect both Android smartphones and tablets. This app includes a free app scanner, a lost device protection software and added security to block threats while surfing the Web, calling or texting.

In this version, Trend Micro has introduced some new features that include:

New App Scanner: Designed to block infected apps from installing and stealing your personal information
New Lost Device Protection: From a personal online portal, you can locate a lost device, trigger an alarm, remotely lock it or even wipe it clean to protect your personal information.
Enhanced Surf, Call, and Text Security: Designed to block online threats like banking scams, blocks unwanted calls and text messages and designed to block inappropriate websites to protect your children.

With the sheer amount of personal information now being stored and transacted via these devices, it is imperative that misplaced devices be recoverable or the sensitive information deleted. Not only do these devices allow a 3rd party to run up phone and data bills, but they could potentially grant access to online banking, social networking and in some cases even provide access to home automation systems including doors and alarms.

Additional enhancements to the app offer a secure Web-based portal that enables users to remotely find a lost device on a Google map and set off an alarm, even if the device is set to silent. If the device can’t be found it can be locked from the portal and if all else fails the user can wipe the contents by triggering a factory reset. As a safeguard, if the SIM card is removed, the device is also automatically locked. The Web-based portal provides an easy user experience for those who may be in a state of panic over the whereabouts of their device. They just need to remember the link 'http://www.TrendMicro.com/ilostmyandroid'.

Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition also gives users the ability to protect their web surfing, calls and texts. Parents can set web surfing policies to block inappropriate content. The Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition is available via the Android Market and major retail stores. While the app scanner is free, the premium services, including Lost Device Protection and Surf, Call, Text Security are available for Rs.455 for a 2 years license.