Trend Micro has announced the latest addition to Trend Micro’s Mobile arsenal, Trend Micro  Mobile Security Personal Edition, a solution designed to protect both Android smartphones and tablets that includes a free app scanner, lost device protection and enhanced security to block threats while surfing the Web, calling or texting.

As Android devices gain in popularity so does its use from cybercriminals.  Trend Micro’s threat researchers have tracked new threats targeting Android devices growing at 800% since February 2011. In this version, which also follows the release of Trend Micro’s Enterprise solution, Trend Micro Mobile Security 7, a consumer’s mobile devices will be better protected based on the new datathat has been discovered over the last six months.

Additional enhancements offer a secure Web-based portal that enables usersto 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. 

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 3rdparty 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.

Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition also gives users the ability to protect their web surfing, calls and texts. Leveraging the power of the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network infrastructure, which blocks over 5 billion threats daily, all websites visited on the device browser are checked against the same reputation databases that protect Trend Micro’s global customer base. Parents can set web surfing policies to block inappropriate content. And calls and text message scan be blocked to avoid time wasting, costly and unwanted contact.

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.