Sophos 4.0 Switches up EMM with Individual File Encryption

Sophos expanded its suite of mobile security products with the introduction of Sophos Mobile Control (SMC) 4.0, the latest version of its enterprise mobile management (EMM) solution. SMC 4.0 piggybacks off of the company’s previous incarnation with the inclusion of individual file encryption, integrated AV and web filtering, making it the first EMM on the market to protect enterprise files on an individual basis, according to the company.

SMC 4.0 is available on-premise or as-a-service for its small and midsized customers, enabling them to implement BYOD policies quickly and easily and give users the leeway to use their devices as they see fit. The new build is compatible with devices running Apple (APPL) iOS, Android and Microsoft (MSFT) Windows Phone 8.

“SMC 4.0 extends the Sophos commitment to delivering comprehensive data protection, offering solutions to manage, secure and protect not just the mobile devices themselves, but also the content and applications on those devices,” said Dan Schiappa, SVP and GM of Sophos’ End User Security Group, in a prepared statement. “SMC 4.0 takes data protection beyond the office door by ensuring persistent mobile encryption on devices. Additional network access control based on device compliance status makes mobile device management, content management and mobile security simple and effective.”

Among the additions featured on SMC 4.0, Sophos is touting its file-level encryption software, which gates access to each individual file on a user’s device to protect data wherever it is housed. SMC is also outfitted with integrated security against malware and malicious web sites for Android devices and a number of additional mobile malware threats.

IT admins can even select website categories to control access and block data stealing or NSFW web pages on devices running SMC 4.0, according to Sophos. The software integrates with Sophos UTM, Checkpoint and Cisco Systems (CSCO) as well, giving users network access control over all their devices. If a device is compromised, it can be easily isolated and removed from the network via a web-based console to prevent potential leaks to other mobile devices. The company released the prior version of its EMM software early last year, introducing support for Samsung SAFE devices and upping the ante on Android mobile security.