As our smartphones get more computer-like, the bad guys are going to increasingly target these devices. That’s why a company like Lookout has created a mobile security app and the company has just rolled out a few, new premium features.
The Lookout mobile security app for Android already has more than 3 million users and it offers the expected features like virus scanning and malware detection. It also ups the ante by offering cool services like automatic backup. I’ve played with it on a Motorola Droid and find it to be pretty useful: it doesn’t get in the way or slow down the machine but it does offer some piece of mind.
The Lookout Premium service offers additional service like remote locking and wiping, privacy advisers, the ability to back up and transfer photos and call histories to new phones and premium support. It goes live Nov. 16 for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year.
“We’ve been amazed by our growth to three million users and are continuing to focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations for mobile protection.” said John Hering, CEO and founder of Lookout Mobile Security, in a prepared statement. “Lookout Premium provides smartphone owners the peace of mind to explore everything that the new mobile world offers safely by providing added security, data protection and visibility into personal information being accessed by the apps on their phones.”
Mobile security is becoming a big issue as we store more and more data on these devices and you have to wonder how well the Lookout offerings will fare once we get some of the bigger players in the space. Norton has a bigger brand name and it is also making a huge push with Android and smartphones. Intel spent billions acquiring McAfee and it definitely has mobile in mind.
Lookout does have a good product and I recommend giving its free security app a look.
