10 most common Q&A about mobile devices based on KasperskyOS for Mobile

Answering the most common questions about mobile devices based on KasperskyOS for Mobile

1. Is Kaspersky developing its own smartphone?

Kaspersky does not manufacture smartphones or tablets. We are working on KasperskyOS mobile operating system for professional mobile devices (smartphones, tablets and mobile computers). The hardware is provided by our global and local Technology Partners. As part of the research project, we proactively and privately purchased a test batch of devices from Russian and Asian technology partners for use in development, research and pilot testing.

2. Why do we need another mobile operating system?

Industrial smartphones and tablets have increased cybersecurity requirements. Layered defenses and corporate policies protect against a wide range of threats, including Trojans, encryption viruses, and phishing attacks. They significantly reduce, but do not completely eliminate, the risk of data leakage or downtime of critical production processes. There is a need for Secure by Design professional mobile devices that render attacks ineffective and incapable of impacting the business scenarios in which these devices are used. The architecture of the KasperskyOS mobile operating system makes it possible to separate security domains and create a single point for applying security policies. In targeted scenarios, an attacker will not be able to use a mobile device to launch a cyberattack on the corporate infrastructure, even if a third-party software component is compromised. The Cyber Immune approach to development makes it impossible to perform inherently unauthorized functions in the system.

3. Smartphone based on KasperskyOS — just another Linux or Android smartphone?

The KasperskyOS for Mobile kernel is a proprietary development and does not contain any code from Linux, Android or other operating systems. Kaspersky OS for Mobile is based on the principles of microkernel architecture. Our microkernel code base consists of tens of thousands of lines of code. By contrast, the monolithic Linux kernel has more than 30 million lines. The compactness of the kernel enhances the protection of hardware and software systems and devices based on Kaspersky OS.

4. Will a KasperskyOS mobile device replace Android or iOS smartphones?

We are not aiming to replace Android or iOS. We are creating a mobile operating system that can provide ready-made tools and mechanisms for the creation of Cyber Immune professional mobile devices. The key feature of such solutions is their innate security (Cyber Immunity) against the vast majority of cyberattacks.

5. What tasks is the device designed for?

Professional mobile devices based on KasperskyOS for Mobile are designed for various industries with high security requirements: from retail and logistics to energy and industrial production. Typical scenarios include:

  • secure management and monitoring of production facilities;
  • ensuring communication in hard-to-reach places;
  • tracking the movement of people and equipment;
  • photo and video recording of equipment failures;
  • collection of production indicators;
  • secure data exchange with company information systems;
  • filling in current documentation.

6. What about cybersecurity certifications?

We work to create world-class products, taking into account the requirements of information security legislation in each local market. In Russia we are assessing the regulatory requirements for a mobile solution based on KasperskyOS and will obtain the necessary certificates shortly.

7. What can a smartphone based on KasperskyOS for Mobile do?

The prototype device based on KasperskyOS currently includes a basic set of standard applications. Viewing and editing of office documents is also available. The KasperskyOS mobile operating system was successfully tested at MegaFon’s laboratory. At the first stage of testing, the prototype device was checked for compliance with the 3GPP cellular standard and correct operation when performing basic functions in all modern networks currently used in Russia – 2G, 3G, 4G. In future, it is planned to extend the tests as new functionalities such as VoLTE, ViLTE, and VoWIFI are introduced.

By using mobile device running on KasperskyOS for Mobile and our Smart Factory application, you can launch manufacturing processes, monitor and control production status on the shop floor in real-time. KasperskyOS for Mobile allows to protect professional communication and mitigate risks by the innate security properties of KasperskyOS. Leveraging this smart combination helps to increase production efficiency and significantly minimize delays. 

8. Are you planning to have your own App Store or integrate with third — party App Stores?

We are working on a world-class platform for developing and distributing applications on KasperskyOS-based devices. Customers and partners will be able to use this platform to discover new applications for KasperskyOS-based devices. Application developers can find all necessary SDK, tools and support for successful start building applications on KasperskyOS.

Given the global nature of the project, we are taking a flexible approach to the issue of app distribution: in addition to the native app distribution mechanism using Kaspersky Security Center technologies, we are considering the possibility of integration with third-party catalogs.

9. Is it possible to try out a prototype on KasperskyOS for Mobile?

We are conducting a limited pilot of the prototype — Early Access Program. It includes not only the pilot project itself, but also trainings about cybersecurity & mobile devices in industry and practical seminars with experts.

10. How can I start developing applications on KasperskyOS for Mobile?

Firstly, you сan start with the general principles of KasperskyOS development using the publicly available distribution kit – Kaspersky OS Community Edition. Then уou need to get the authorization as our Technology Partner.

1. Is Kaspersky developing its own smartphone?

Kaspersky does not manufacture smartphones or tablets. We are working on KasperskyOS mobile operating system for professional mobile devices (smartphones, tablets and mobile computers). The hardware is provided by our global and local Technology Partners. As part of the research project, we proactively and privately purchased a test batch of devices from Russian and Asian technology partners for use in development, research and pilot testing.

2. Why do we need another mobile operating system?

Industrial smartphones and tablets have increased cybersecurity requirements. Layered defenses and corporate policies protect against a wide range of threats, including Trojans, encryption viruses, and phishing attacks. They significantly reduce, but do not completely eliminate, the risk of data leakage or downtime of critical production processes. There is a need for Secure by Design professional mobile devices that render attacks ineffective and incapable of impacting the business scenarios in which these devices are used. The architecture of the KasperskyOS mobile operating system makes it possible to separate security domains and create a single point for applying security policies. In targeted scenarios, an attacker will not be able to use a mobile device to launch a cyberattack on the corporate infrastructure, even if a third-party software component is compromised. The Cyber Immune approach to development makes it impossible to perform inherently unauthorized functions in the system.

3. Smartphone based on KasperskyOS — just another Linux or Android smartphone?

The KasperskyOS for Mobile kernel is a proprietary development and does not contain any code from Linux, Android or other operating systems. Kaspersky OS for Mobile is based on the principles of microkernel architecture. Our microkernel code base consists of tens of thousands of lines of code. By contrast, the monolithic Linux kernel has more than 30 million lines. The compactness of the kernel enhances the protection of hardware and software systems and devices based on Kaspersky OS.

4. Will a KasperskyOS mobile device replace Android or iOS smartphones?

We are not aiming to replace Android or iOS. We are creating a mobile operating system that can provide ready-made tools and mechanisms for the creation of Cyber Immune professional mobile devices. The key feature of such solutions is their innate security (Cyber Immunity) against the vast majority of cyberattacks.

5. What tasks is the device designed for?

Professional mobile devices based on KasperskyOS for Mobile are designed for various industries with high security requirements: from retail and logistics to energy and industrial production. Typical scenarios include:

  • secure management and monitoring of production facilities;
  • ensuring communication in hard-to-reach places;
  • tracking the movement of people and equipment;
  • photo and video recording of equipment failures;
  • collection of production indicators;
  • secure data exchange with company information systems;
  • filling in current documentation.

6. What about cybersecurity certifications?

We work to create world-class products, taking into account the requirements of information security legislation in each local market. In Russia we are assessing the regulatory requirements for a mobile solution based on KasperskyOS and will obtain the necessary certificates shortly.

7. What can a smartphone based on KasperskyOS for Mobile do?

The prototype device based on KasperskyOS currently includes a basic set of standard applications. Viewing and editing of office documents is also available. The KasperskyOS mobile operating system was successfully tested at MegaFon’s laboratory. At the first stage of testing, the prototype device was checked for compliance with the 3GPP cellular standard and correct operation when performing basic functions in all modern networks currently used in Russia – 2G, 3G, 4G. In future, it is planned to extend the tests as new functionalities such as VoLTE, ViLTE, and VoWIFI are introduced.

By using mobile device running on KasperskyOS for Mobile and our Smart Factory application, you can launch manufacturing processes, monitor and control production status on the shop floor in real-time. KasperskyOS for Mobile allows to protect professional communication and mitigate risks by the innate security properties of KasperskyOS. Leveraging this smart combination helps to increase production efficiency and significantly minimize delays. 

8. Are you planning to have your own App Store or integrate with third — party App Stores?

We are working on a world-class platform for developing and distributing applications on KasperskyOS-based devices. Customers and partners will be able to use this platform to discover new applications for KasperskyOS-based devices. Application developers can find all necessary SDK, tools and support for successful start building applications on KasperskyOS.

Given the global nature of the project, we are taking a flexible approach to the issue of app distribution: in addition to the native app distribution mechanism using Kaspersky Security Center technologies, we are considering the possibility of integration with third-party catalogs.

9. Is it possible to try out a prototype on KasperskyOS for Mobile?

We are conducting a limited pilot of the prototype — Early Access Program. It includes not only the pilot project itself, but also trainings about cybersecurity & mobile devices in industry and practical seminars with experts.

10. How can I start developing applications on KasperskyOS for Mobile?

Firstly, you сan start with the general principles of KasperskyOS development using the publicly available distribution kit – Kaspersky OS Community Edition. Then уou need to get the authorization as our Technology Partner.