Singapore-based telecom operator M1 has launched Asia’s first network-based mobile malware detection solution – M1 Mobile Guard.

The price of Mobile Guard is S$2 per month. Starting on 26 September 2017, Mobile Guard will be available through the My M1 app, calling M1’s hotline 1627, and at any M1 Shop outlet.

M1 is also working with handset partners to bundle Mobile Guard with selected handsets. M1, which competes with SingTel, has over 2 million customers on its mobile and fixed network in Singapore.

The telecom operator said Mobile Guard, powered by Nokia’s NetGuard Endpoint Security network-based anti-malware solution, checks devices accessing M1’s mobile network to find malware and protect devices from security issues.

Once Mobile Guard will trigger an SMS and e-mail alert to the customer’s registered mobile number and e-mail address if a customer’s device has been compromised. The customer can then utilize the bundled anti-malware solution to rectify it.

“M1’s Mobile Guard is the only solution in our market to offer always-on, network-driven malware protection – helping customers perform a device health assessment, detecting and alerting customers to a threat, and helping them eliminate any threat found,” said Alex Tan, chief innovation officer of M1.