Communications firm Hitah on Wednesday launched its mobile security application, which allows users to protect their messages and phonebook details.

"The application, called Peanut, has the ability to protect information and encrypt data on the phone's handset providing privacy and security," Hitah Chairman M S Murty told reporters.

The encryption technology allows access to messages and phonebook only when the user keys in the right password, he added.

The company is in discussion with telecom service providers to offer the service as an application. "We are in discussions with telecom operators for making the service available. Talks are at advanced stages and hence we can't share the details," Murty said.

He said the service could be available for 50 cents or USD one, depending on the service provider. For business and enterprise customers, the company will also offer a backup service as well.

The application can be downloaded directly from Hitah network or through a partner wireless carrier by users of Blackberry, Simbian, Android or java-based mobiles.

The company has launched the application in Malaysia and plans to expand it to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and other regions like West Africa, Middle East, North America and Europe," Murty said.

Hitah also plans to introduce other products and services. "We plan to introduce products and services like Walnut for secure email, Hazelnut for banking, payments and mobile commerce, Pistachio for mobile healthcare," Murty said.