Hyderabad: M-Kavach app't for mobile deals

Hyderabad: Experts of the Centre for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) Hyderabad have emphasised that it is high time all those who are doing financial transactions on mobile, installed M-Kavach.

The app M-Kavach, developed by R&D wing of CDAC Hyderabad, is a comprehensive mobile device security solution for Android devices. It addresses threats related to malware that steal personal data, credentials, misuse of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth resources, lost or stolen mobile device, spam SMS, premium-rate SMS and unwanted unsolicited incoming calls.

CDAC is a unit of the ministry of electronics and information technology. Project manager I.L. Narsimha Rao said, “M-Kavach can be downloaded either from Google Playstore or CDAC website. Many apps downloaded on mobile have malware attached. M-Kavach will help in identifying malicious apps.”

M-Kavach checks fraud apps, update in 2 weeks
Hyderabad: Experts of the Centre for Development of Advance Computing (CDAC) Hyderabad have emphasised that it is high time all those who are doing financial transactions on mobile, install M-Kavach.

M-Kavach has features for secure storage of files, call/SMS filter where a black list and white list of numbers can be entered, an anti-theft option which tracks change of SIM card on phone, settings like device restrictions for secure wi-fi, Bluetooth mobile data access.

Joint director of CDAC’s e-security wing P.R. Lakshmi said, “An updated version of M-Kavach will be launched in two weeks. This app will check how the apps are using resources on the phone and keep tabs on fraudulent applications. It analyses the apps with malicious intention and denies permission. The crucial content on mobile can be encrypted.”

The “JSGuard function” on the app will alert when there is a redirection to a malicious site. She said that if a thief who steals the phone puts in another SIM and connects to mobile data, the personal data can be erased with a single SMS.

The CDAC has also developed desktop solutions like ‘Browser JS Guard’ for security of website URLs. JS Guard is used by the DRDO, Indian Navy and Indian Army.

USB Pratirodh is another software solution of CDAC which controls unauthorised use of USBs like pen drives, external hard drives, cellphones, iPods and camera.
Banking experts say that people can check any suspicious file or URL on www.virustotal.com. ICICI Bank fraud examiner and regional manager K.V. Rangachary said, “Virus-Total is a subsidiary of Google. It is a free online service that enables the identification of harmful software.”

M-Kavach features
Protects critical data in mobile devices
Allows easy backup, restores data
Enables remote control such as lock and data wipe through SMS
Protects Bluetooth, wi-fi, camera access
Blocks pesky calls
Provides secure listing