ViaSat develops security for USMC Androids

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CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Development of cyber and information security for off-the-shelf smartphones and tablets for the U.S. Marines is continuing under a contract to ViaSat Inc.

Under the $1.65 million follow-on contract, ViaSat will first develop a prototype trusted smartphone and then a production-ready version by the spring of this year. By summer, a new secure mobile system available for any Android device is expected.

"Adding ViaSat cyber and information security to commercial off-the-shelf smartphones and tablets can enable personnel to communicate securely over 3G/4G/LTE cellular and WiFi networks, store sensitive data and protect their devices against malware attacks," ViaSat said.

"ViaSat is working on a number of ongoing developments to deliver a secure mobile enterprise system that can connect COTS devices seamlessly into a variety of carrier networks."

ViaSat said its work is for tactical use by troops on the battlefield but the system it is developing will be applicable for other government or commercial customers.