Kaspersky updates mobile security suite

Kaspersky Mobile Security 9.0 can now wipe a phone's memory and locate it via GPS

Kaspersky Lab has released a new version of its mobile security software suite that allows users to wipe or cripple stolen phones.

Kaspersky Mobile Security 9.0 allows the owner of a lost or stolen phone to wipe its memory, locate it via GPS and receive a notification of its new number if the SIM card is changed. A message can also be sent offering a reward for its return.

In addition, users can designate contacts as private to make them invisible to other people.

"Those of us with smartphones use them every day to send and receive personal text messages, make calls, access the internet, and communicate via social networks. Smartphones store lots of information about our private lives," said Sergey Nevstruev, director of mobile services at Kaspersky Lab.

"With the new version of Kaspersky Mobile Security we went even further into the domain of privacy protection for mobile users, be it personal data leaks, somebody gaining temporary access to your phone, or annoying calls and texts."