Juniper Networks launches mobile security platform

Juno currently supports Android, Symbian, Windows and BlackBerry

Juniper Networks is planning to roll out a complete mobile security platform.

The company said the Junos Pulse Mobile Security Suite would appeal to both service providers and enterprise IT departments. The platform will bundle security tools with mobile device management and access control services.

Juniper chief executive Kevin Johnson said organisations must give serious attention to the problem of mobile malware and other threats before they get out of hand.

"History has told us that what we saw in the era of the PC will move to mobile and tablets," said Johnson.

"We believe it is time to set the mobile security agenda."

Johnson said that with people increasingly using their personal devices to carry out work-related tasks, IT departments were struggling to keep mobile security under control.

Juniper is looking to alleviate this problem by including support for nearly every major smartphone platform. Currently, the Junos suite supports Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, while support for the Apple iOS is planned for the first half of next year.

Mark Bauhaus, executive vice president and general manager for Juniper's service layer technology business group, said security will become a critical component for mobile platforms in the coming years.

"What we're missing is the peace of mind to know that the device and the information on it is safe," he said.

In addition to security, Juniper is touting Junos Pulse as a platform for enterprises and service providers to offer access control and management services. The suite features a management console that allows IT administrators to remove files and control permissions for end-user devices.