Norton introduces tablet security app

Mobile phones could soon take on the persona of car alarms thanks to security software for Android from Norton by Symantec.

Norton's mobile security app adds a 'car alarm' feature that sounds when a handset is stolen. Image credit: Norton

Norton announced on Wednesday the availability of Norton Tablet Security and new updates for Norton Mobile Security, the latter of which includes a new 'scream' feature designed to help mobile owners find a lost or stolen device quickly.

Essentially, the scream function works when a user sends a text to the missing phone to remotely activate an alarm that will enable him or her to locate the device. Other new features for the Mobile Security edition include being able to remotely locate, lock and wipe a device via SMS as well as anti-malware detection, which automatically scans all apps and app updates downloaded to the device and SD card for threats.

On the tablet side, the new product features much of what is available for the Mobile Security package, including anti-malware tools and web-based anti-theft measures. 

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Norton pumps out enhanced security for Android tablets on ZDNet.com.