Blue Coat offers secure browser for Apple iOS

Blue Coat Systems has released a secure browser for the Apple iOS platform, promising phishing and malware protection and content filtering for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.

The company is distributing the K9 Web Protection Browser for free to family and individual users. The browser is similar to the versions the company offers for Windows and OS X systems.

Driving security for the browsers is WebPulse, a cloud-based service which offers rapid updates for possible security threats.

Blue Coat claimed that the browser can be used to block questionable content, and provide "family friendly" browsing for younger users.

"With the popularity of iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone mobile devices as gifts for children this holiday season, the door is wide open for them to fall victim to the dangers of the internet," said Blue Coat senior vice president and chief marketing officer Steve Daheb.

"The K9 Web Protection Browser leverages the power and intelligence of Blue Coat's leading web security technology to keep children and families safe online wherever they access the internet."

The K9 Web Protection Browser is available as a free download from the Apple App Store.

The release comes as iOS and other traditionally consumer platforms are being introduced to the business marketplace following increased interest by end users to perform work operations on personal mobile devices.