SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheetah Mobile Inc. (NYSE: CMCM), the leading developer of mission-critical mobile utility and security applications, today announced the launch of Security Master. Security Master is the next generation of CM Security, the leading privacy protection and antivirus app with almost 500 million downloads and a 4.7 rating (out of 5) on Google Play. Security Master launched worldwide and is available now for free on Android devices. Despite its worldwide presence, one of the new features is particularly tailored for the U.S. market in an attempt to protect user privacy following the recent rollback of ISP rules.

Security Master provides real-time, scenario-oriented protection for any Android device. The app conducts live device diagnostics, classifies the conditions, and recommends solutions to optimize users' mobile experience. Depending on the diagnosis, Security Master will suggest options from three scenarios: SCAN, which provides ultra-fast malware detection and protection in less than 10 seconds; BOOST, which frees up memory and boost phone speed, and CLEAN, which removes unnecessary junk files.

According to recent research conducted by Cheetah Mobile Security Research Lab*, around 60 percent of internet users in the U.S. feel insecure in mobile web browsing, while 30 percent did not take special actions to protect their online security. Moreover, online hackers and disclosure of sensitive personal data - which can lead to stolen identities and financial damages - are the most common fears of internet users.

That's why Security Master created "SafeConnect," a feature designed to enhance mobile internet security through protecting and encrypting all data transmitted across the internet. In addition to online data encryption, SafeConnect also extends protection to apps with higher security concern categories, including instant message, financial banking, e-commerce, and browser apps. When apps in these categories launch, SafeConnect takes effect immediately to provide secure data transmission.

"As Android system and mobile internet usage continues to grow, traditional antivirus apps are no longer sufficient," said Pan Qi, Vice President of Cheetah Mobile. "Consumers need a comprehensive, scalable product to help them tackle ever-growing internet security threats while also catering to basic mobile optimization needs. That's why we created Security Master - a product with intelligent, real-time solutions on top of baseline features for a worry-free mobile experience."

SafeConnect is powered by AnchorFree's Hotspot Shield VPN technology to secure internet connections, encrypting personal information so users can safely conduct activities online whether at home, work or in public. Security Master is able to integrate the privacy technology through AnchorFree's software developer kit.

"AnchorFree has been delivering industry-leading privacy protection for consumers worldwide for many years and is excited to extend our VPN technology to Cheetah Mobile's users," said AnchorFree CEO, David Gorodyansky. "Over 80 percent of people are more concerned about their privacy and security today than they were a year ago. These threats exist across the world, and by integrating AnchorFree's proprietary Hotspot Shield Hydra technology into the SafeConnect feature, Security Master is providing its users a safe and secure internet experience as well as peace of mind."

In addition to the revamped features for privacy protection and mobile security, Security Master offers a breadth of security functions such as AppLock, which provides support for fingerprint scanners and the intruder-selfie feature, which automatically takes a photo of someone who tries but fails to unlock the AppLock screen, Notification Manager, which groups notifications in a single view, and caller identification.

^{*Cheetah Mobile Security Research Lab User Research-U.S. Q1 2017}

About Cheetah Mobile

Cheetah Mobile is a leading mobile internet company. It aims to provide leading apps for mobile users worldwide and connect users with personalized content on the mobile platform.

Cheetah Mobile's products, including its popular utility applications Clean Master, Security Master and Battery Doctor, help make users' mobile internet experience smarter, speedier, and safer. The Company has attracted more than 600 million global Mobile MAUs, of which approximately 80% are located outside of China. Leveraging the success of its utility applications, Cheetah Mobile has launched its line of mobile content-driven applications, including News Republic and Live.me.

Cheetah Mobile provides its advertising customers, which include direct advertisers and mobile advertising networks through which advertisers place their advertisements, with direct access to highly targeted mobile users and global promotional channels, which are capable of delivering targeted content to hundreds of millions of users.

SOURCE Cheetah Mobile