I recently wrote about a new product, F-Secure Anti-Theft for Mobile (see F-Secure Delivers Anti-Theft Solution For Mobile Devices), and since then I’ve been giving it a run on my Nokia N95 8GB. The unfortunate side issue of software like this is that, really, you hope you never need to use it – as if you do it means you’re device has gone. However, the peace of mind you get once the software is installed and configured is reward in itself, so with that in mind I’ve installed the software and breathed a sigh of relief.

Like many mobile, over the air, applications downloading and installation was painless. A direct download to the mobile device followed by a few moments installation locally is all it took. The license key was next after which the device needed to connect to the internet to verify the code and check for updates. A reminder window offered the option to buy the full Mobile Security which adds firewall and anti-virus to the services.

Once installed and activated, launching F-Secure Anti-Theft for Mobile displays a status panel, showing the last update, current subscription option, and an indicator as to whether security is enabled or disabled. A sliding row of icons is available at the bottom of the display and these include:

• Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Theft Status – offers a quick glance of some useful statistics such as when the SIM was last changed, the last lock time and type, and whether remote lock and wipe is enabled
  • Anti-Theft Settings – the main configuration section for this software
    • Lock Code – (at least 5 characters – and don’t try something simple like 12345) – once entered it will need to be verified
    • Remote Lock – enable or disable remote locking
    • Lock when SIM changed – will need to pin code to unlock the device after a SIM card change
    • SMS alert number – a mobile number to send an alert text to
    • Wipe code – a code which will enable you to remotely wipe your device (it needs to be at least 5 characters)
    • Remote wipe – enable or disable remote wiping
  • Quick Tips – some useful tips for mobile security in general (such as the tip about storing confidential information on the phone memory and not on a memory card) and tips for using the application
• Settings – launched the Settings page for the subscribed applications (Anti-Theft in this case)
• Buy – Offers a number of buy options for Mobile Security including 12-24 months protection (payment using a credit card) or 3 months protection (payment can be charge in your phone bill).
• Learn More – Shortcuts to a number of websites for support including Mobile Security, other F-Secure products, the Blog and Support contact details.
• Statistics (only available for Virus Protection and Firewall options)
• Virus Protection (only available in Mobile Security product)
• Firewall (only available in Mobile Security product)

Initially, the application will require configuration so the Anti-Theft Settings is the first point of call which was a matter of thinking up a lock code, punching it in then activating remote lock. Once this is done and saved everything is ready for remote locking.

To remotely lock your device you need only send a simple trigger SMS message together with your lock code to your device. Upon receipt of the SMS your device detects the message and immediately throws up a lock window prompting the user to enter the lock code.

I tested the functionality with my partner’s phone and she was quite amazed at how simple, and effective, it was.

Get some peace of mind with F-Secure Anti-Theft for Mobile.