Micromax, Intel to embed security software on devices
NEW DELHI: Micromax has partnered with Intel to integrate security software on the former’s smartphones and tablets.
As part of the partnership, new Micromax and Yu smartphones and tablets will come pre-installed with Mcafee Mobile Assistant from next month. While the service will be free for consumers, they can pay and upgrade for additional security features.
The companies will also roll out updates for existing customers to enable them to download the security application on their phones.
“Smartphones have become an integral part of our connected lives and it is important that consumers realise threats that exist in the digital world and safeguard their valued data,” Intel Security Group Senior Vice President and General Manager Christopher Young told reporters here.
He added that globally, the company has secured over 220 million users and the partnership with Micromax is another step forward.
Young highlighted factors like 400 per cent increase in digital payments (between November 2016-February 2017) and increasing Internet penetration in the country make it pertinent that enddevices are secured.
“At Micromax, we realise that security of data on smartphones is critical. By making Mcafee Mobile Assistant available on our devices, we are enabling our customers to enjoy a safe online experience in the digitally connected world,” Micromax co-founder Vikas Jain said.
According to a Mcafee Labs Threat Predictions Report, mobile malware continues to grow and target vulnerable consumers.
As more consumers use their mobile devices for activities like online banking and managing their connected devices, malware writers are rapidly evolving their techniques to exploit unsuspecting users to gain access their information.
India is one of the world’s fastest growing smartphone markets globally. As per research firm, smartphone shipment stood at 109.1 million units in 2016, up 5.2 per cent over the previous year.
Micromax ranked third in the tally with 8.8 per cent market share, after Samsung (24.8 per cent) and Lenovo (8.9 per cent). MUMBAI: Union Minister for MSME, Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday said that the Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) had successfully led to setting up of 3,97,350 micro-enterprises in urban and rural areas, generating 34.96 lakh jobs and Rs 8,150.35 crore in revenue alongside 2016-17 expenditure of Rs 2,114.01 crore against a targeted investment of 1,100 crore.
“We are ensuring that no state is left out in promoting development and sales in the khadi industry, which employs 80 to 90 per cent women in its workforce, and we are also looking at ‘reviving’ sick units and promoting new ones,” the minister said in Mumbai where he announced on the occasion of International Women’s Day that DSOS of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) would offer a special 5 per cent discount from Wednesday for women to celebrate ‘women’s empowerment.’
The PM’S Mann ki Baat had witnessed corporates and PSUS placing bulk orders for khadi products, with sales to ONGC itself amounting to Rs 20.97 crore. Ministry of Health has placed a purchase order for 45 KVIC items worth Rs 150 crores for its hospitals nationwide, he said, adding that KVIC proposed to enhance spinners wages from Rs 5.50 per hank to Rs 7.50 per hank. This will raie the income of Khadi spinners to around Rs 200 per day and will bring them wage-wise on par with minimum wages while simultaneously arresting the exodus of artisans from the Khadi sector.