Symantec unveils DLP for iPad

Security giant Symantec today unveiled a data loss prevention (DLP) solution for tablets to keep tabs on crucial company information, with the iPad version the first to launch.

As noted by IT Pro last month, Symantec is placing greater focus on DLP as it recognises some threats will inevitably get through its other security offerings.

The vendor has taken this strategy through to tablets, saying Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will provide "content-aware protection" designed to protect sensitive data.

With the massive growth in tablet adoptions, customers have struggled how to extend information protection to this new consumer tool.

"With the massive growth in tablet adoptions, customers have struggled how to extend information protection to this new consumer tool as it makes its way onto the enterprise networks," said Art Gilliland, senior vice president for the Information Security Group at Symantec.

"Symantec Data Loss Prevention for Tablet will enable IT to better support their businesses in adopting this new technology, while also maintaining strong protections for their sensitive information."

The iPad version is expected to be released in early 2012, with support for Android tablets coming later in the year, Symantec said during its Vision conference in Barcelona.

The product ties into other Symantec DLP and mobile solutions, meaning IT departments can use the same policies for tablets as they use for other devices.

The service will be charged on a per-tablet basis.

Symantec customers with Symantec PGP Universal Server can already enjoy some iPad-related security. The PGP Viewer for iOS, currently available on the Apple App Store, allows users to read encrypted messages.

Symantec was recently made to look a tad sluggish by McAfee, after its main rival put out an all-in-one security solution.

McAfee All Access, designed to protect Macs, PCs, smartphones and tablets, was made available last week.

According to reports, Symantec won't be delivering a similar product until next year.