Archive for January 23rd, 2013

Lookout for Android gets updated

The Android mobile security application, Lookout has received an updated bringing two new features – one which is included in the free version and one that premium users can access.

· Lock Cam (available on free version) – lets you know if someone is trying to look at or use your smartphone without your permission. It silently takes a picture with the front-facing camera if the password on you smartphone is entered incorrectly three times. The picture is sent to your email, along with the location of your phone on Google Maps.

· Lock Screen (available on premium version) – if you lose your phone, you can now remotely lock it and tailor the lock screen with a message for whomever finds it. For example: “As you are a lovely person who values good karma, please contact me on XX to return my phone.”

Mobile security has become an increasingly important issue in the UK. The Metropolitan Police says phones are by far the most common item stolen, making up 70% of items taken in personal robberies. In fact, in London alone, 314 phones are stolen each day. Recent research by Lookout reveals some alarming attitudes towards mobile security and privacy in the UK:

· 66% of people don’t have a lock pin or passcode on their phone

· 28% of people admitted to looking at someone else’s phone without permission

· 12% of people surveyed said they found someone looking at their phone without permission

For more information on the new features of the Lookout app, as well the research, please see the full press release below: