Security Software for a Palm?

Reader Jeanette Anderson writes: I own a Palm LifeDrive with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Is there a firewall and antivirus program for this device? Thank you!

The jury's out on whether it's worthwhile to invest in security software for Palm devices. Unlike the Blackberry, most Palms aren't used to connect to corporate email systems (enticing targets for hackers), so there's little incentive to develop viruses for the Palm. Case in point: Fewer than a dozen PalmOS viruses have ever been discovered, and I can't only find one that was released after 2001 (PalmOS/Vapor was found in 2003).

That's not to say that you can't get a Palm virus or that you shouldn't protect yourself, but your $39.95 investment in something like Symantec AntiVirus for Handhelds may be better spent somewhere else. You just aren't that likely to be faced with a virus on your Palm.

A similar story goes for mobile firewalls. Yes, they exist, but the risk of someone hacking into your Palm through Wi-Fi is awfully slim. There are simply far more fertile hunting grounds for malicious hackers. If you're exceptionally paranoid, you can certainly install a firewall. Bluefire Security offers one of the few PDA firewalls on the market, though it's designed for security experts and enterprises.

What's a better way to spend your mobile security money? Invest in encryption software to protect your data. This way you are safe whether you're hacked wirelessly (extremely unlikely) or whether you physically lose your PDA (much more common). (Most recently-produced Palms have encryption built in, including the LifeDrive. Free upgrade!)