Kaspersky updates mobile apps with enhanced security & UX features

Kaspersky has released upgraded versions of its iOS and Android mobile applications, focusing on enhanced security, privacy, and improved usability. These updates aim to offer users a higher level of protection in the digital sphere, catering to the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures on mobile devices, which currently account for nearly 60% of global web traffic according to StatCounter data.

The iOS app now includes several new features such as a Security Scan button, a Private Browsing option, and a Siri Shortcut feature. The Security Scan button allows users to check all security systems on their smartphones and enable optimal protection modes, which may include recommendations to activate VPN, Anti-Phishing, and other security features.

The Private Browsing extension for the Safari browser prevents tracking systems from collecting users' activity data and blocks banner ads, including potentially malicious ones, through Safari's Anti-Banner element. The Siri Shortcut feature improves usability by allowing users to turn their VPN on and off with voice commands, available for consumer solutions equipped with a VPN, including Kaspersky VPN standalone, Kaspersky Premium, and Kaspersky Plus.

For both iOS and Android platforms, privacy protection has been enhanced with a new Identity Theft Check feature. This feature enables users to track leaks from accounts linked to a specific phone number and take immediate protective actions, such as changing passwords on compromised accounts. Identity Theft Check is currently available exclusively in Kaspersky Premium, which can be activated after purchase on the Kaspersky website. Later in the year, Kaspersky Premium will also be available directly within the apps.

Another notable update is the introduction of Dark Mode on both iOS and Android platforms, providing a more comfortable viewing experience, which is an important aspect of user experience (UX) design. Mobile devices require protection measures that are as robust as those available on desktop computers, given the substantial amount of time users spend online on their smartphones.

Kaspersky's mobile apps incorporate a comprehensive range of features for protection, including anti-phishing, VPN, anti-spyware, online privacy, identity protection, and antivirus. These updates reflect Kaspersky's continuous efforts to improve its mobile cybersecurity solutions. The company's commitment to high-quality protection has been recognised by independent testing organisations such as AV-Comparatives, which named Kaspersky's consumer product line as the Product of the Year in 2023.

Marina Titova, Vice-President of Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky, commented, "As we spend a significant amount of time online on our smartphones, mobile devices require protection that is as strong as, if not stronger, than that available on desktops. We are continuously developing and improving our mobile apps for iOS and Android, incorporating a wide range of functions for comprehensive protection, including anti-phishing, VPN, anti-spyware, online privacy, identity protection and of course, antivirus. The superior quality of our protection is further validated by independent testing organisations like AV-Comparatives, which recognised our consumer product line as Product of the Year in 2023."