Symantec extends beyond the desktop with Norton Everywhere

Symantec is bringing out a range of software and services aimed at mobile devices

Symantec is looking to increase the reach of its security line beyond the PC with a range of beta software releases dubbed Norton Everywhere.

The products, announced at an investors' meeting in New York, include smartphone security software for the Android platform, software to access stored data on iPhone, iPad or Android devices, and a DNS filtering service for small businesses and consumers.

"We are entering a new era where non-PC devices are taking off in terms of numbers, which means more opportunity for cyber criminals," said Janice Chaffin, president of Symantec's Consumer Business Unit.

"It's becoming more and more critical for consumers to be protected beyond their PCs. Symantec's resources, partnerships, global reach and brand recognition make it uniquely able to deliver security to any internet-connected device in the world."

The company will release Norton Smartphone Security for Android in June, which will offer anti-malware scanning, call blocking and remote locking or wiping of a smartphone via text message.

Norton Connect will also be available in June, allowing users to securely download media archived remotely using Norton Online Backup or Norton 360 from mobile devices that use the iPhone or Android operating systems.

Finally, Symantec will launch a service that automatically checks the veracity of DNS addresses from web URLs accessed from desktop or Android devices.

Norton DNS will filter out sites associated with fraud or malware, as well as violence or pornography, with no loss of access speed, the firm claimed.

Symantec also announced partnership agreements with HTC to develop security software for Android and Windows Mobile, and Mocana Corporation which is working on remote update and control systems for mobile devices.