The partnership has immediately delivered positive results after NetQin servers recently detected a new threat in Saudi called Transmitter.C, a malware that can randomly send SMS messages to around 500 mobile numbers on the phone's contact list, while redirecting the infected devices to an unsecured web portal.

The proliferation of malicious software and spamware among smartphones and other mobile devices is a growing concern in KSA, particularly in view of the dramatic growth in Saudi's mobile phone penetration rate, making the partnership a timely initiative that enables Info2cell.com's growing subscribers to enjoy full mobile protection through NetQin's wide range of security-based products. The two companies have also agreed to collaborate in delivering innovative solutions such an Arabic version of NetQin's Mobile Antivirus and Mobile Communication Master.

Bashar Al Dahabra, founder and CEO, Info2cell.com, said, "As soon as the virus was detected, NetQin immediately executed a two-step process that involved informing our subscribers of the danger of this virus and explaining to them the process of deleting the malicious program from their mobile phone system. The detection of the Transmitter.C malware is a strong proof of the growing risk of subscribers being exposed to security threats."

"The partnership with NetQin is an important step in addressing the growing security threats to mobile users, as we are introducing a comprehensive security solution that will help KSA subscribers prevent their mobile devices from being infected by spyware and other harmful programs. Moreover, our partnership with NetQin underscores our continuing commitment to provide value-added services and products, while simultaneously strengthening our presence in prime growth areas in the MENA region," added Dahabra.

According to a recent report from the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), mobile penetration in KSA is expected to jump from 48 per cent to 130 per cent in the next five years; the dramatic growth in the number of mobile phone users likewise substantially increases the number of potential victims of harmful programs. The expected robust growth will be prompted by the reduction of handset prices and lower tariffs, which will come as a result of the further liberalisation of the region's telecommunications sector.