Download Mobile Security Report 2014 - AV

Product Review: Mobile Security ‐ July/August 2014
www.av-comparatives.org
McAfee also provides a WiFi Security module.
This displays a warning in the event that the
user connects to an unsecured network.
Backup
In case the device should be lost or stop
working, McAfee has implemented a backup
function. This allows text messages, call logs,
contacts, and media files such as videos and
photos, to be saved to a McAfee server. The
backed-up data can be viewed and
downloaded via the web interface. Backups
can be run manually or automatically. In the
latter case, the interval cannot be set, only
the option to run backups exclusively over
WiFi. A backup of contacts, text messages and
call logs can be initiated from the web
interface (and also media in the Premium
version). This could be useful if the device is
lost, as the user can at least back up his or
her data.
Contacts and text messages can be restored
directly from the phone. When we tested this,
we found that we were only able to recover
the contacts. We then found a note in the
Help, explaining that the data-restore
function is not supported with Android 4.4.
We re-tested on our alternative device with
Android 4.1.2, and the feature worked
perfectly.
Another function of the Backup component is
the secure deletion of data on the
smartphone. Contacts, call logs, photos,
videos, and files on the SD card can be
deleted. This could be useful e.g. if the user
wanted to sell the device.
Locate
Text-message command: Secure locate <PIN>
This function locates a lost or stolen device.
The phone's position is displayed in Google
Maps. If the command is sent by text
message, the sender will receive in return a
link to a McAfee web page, with an integrated
map from Google Maps. We liked the fact that
it is possible to track the movement of the
device. The device can be located at intervals
of one hour or six hours.
Lock
Text-message command: Secure lock<PIN>
This command remotely locks the device and
prevents unauthorised persons from accessing
it. A customised message can be configured in
the web interface; this is displayed on the
lock screen. This can be useful, as it can
provide an honest finder with the owner's
contact details, making it possible to return
the phone. This can also be changed by text
message, using the simple procedure of
adding the lock-screen message to the end of
the lock command. The Lock function can be
combined with the Alarm function, which is
explained in the following section.
This function worked extremely well in our
test. It was impossible for us to access the
Android home screen, notification bar or
other view. Additionally, it was always
possible to make an emergency call.
Find Device
This menu item takes the user to the theft
protection. The function can be controlled via
a
web
interface
(https://www.mcafeemobilesecurity.com) or
by text-message commands.
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