Lookout Security & Antivirus

by Joesph Ross Apr 13, 2010 12:00 PM – 55 Comments

Install

Lookout Security & Antivirus (formerly Lookout Mobile Security). Features: AntiVirus; Blocks viruses & malware, Scans memory card to stop viruses from phone to PC, Ad free! Backs ups Contacts, photos, call history, Access data online, Missing Device, Locates phone on map, Activates loud alarm.

Price: Free, optional In-app Upgrade

AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:

Usefulness:

In a world of constantly changing passwords and contacts, protecting ones information has become top priority for anyone storing their information electronically. Even manufacturers have tried to come up with different ways to make transferring and retaining information from device to device easier (Blackberry has Blackberry Desktop Manager, Windows has My Windows Phone, Palm has Web OS, etc). With the ability to sync all contacts with Gmail, it seems that every source of backup is covered… almost.

One thing that has maintained and continued to grow in popularity, are applications. But like anyone knows using an open source like Android, there can be situations in which a recently downloaded app may contain a virus or corrupt the phone entirely (making it almost seem non functional). Now as mentioned earlier, Yes… there are various forms to backup information, but not everything is a basic process. Some probably won’t ever bother with the practice itself (this I know from experience along with other people I have encountered). So what’s the alternative or at least something more consumer friendly? Enter Lookout Mobile Security.

Features:

Lookout Mobile Security is pretty much an anti-virus/theft and backup application rolled into one, better yet… it’s free. And the process? All it requires is a download.

Ease of Use:

So how does it work? Well anytime an app is downloaded, Lookout will self activate and scan that app for any threats (viruses/malware/corrupt files) to the phone and verify if its safe for download (preventing having to go through the issue of having to hard reset the device and lose anything not backed up outside the device).

The second option the app provides is the ability to store or back up your info (contacts, pictures and even call history) to the Lookout website mylookout.com.

Finally, if your device is ever missing or you believe that it has been recently stolen, the website even allows you to locate the device (using the enabled gps feature included on most smartphones today) or even make it “scream” (exact word listed on app). This will sound off the device and give you a general idea on where the phone has been misplaced. Overall this application is a must have for any mobile user and with no charge to the consumer, there is no price that can be put on your information.

: Lookout Security & Antivirus

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Scanning Apps

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Find Missing Device

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Backup to the Cloud

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Privacy Advisor

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Find Missing Device on Map

: Lookout Security & Antivirus Activity Feed

: Lookout Mobile Security Start Screen

: Lookout Mobile Security Scanning

AndroidTapp.com Rating

AndroidTapp.com Rating! (4.4 out of 5)

Should you Download Lookout Security & Antivirus? Yes! A Must Have for any Mobile User!

Developer: Lookout Mobile Security

Tags: Android Apps, Android Security, AndroidTapp.com App Review, Backup Restore Phone, Cellphone Security, Lookout Mobile Security, Lookout Security & Antivirus

Categorised in: Communication, Tools

55 Comments

By mburfeind on April 16, 2010 at 12:03 pm:

sounds like the best app ever! free, save and all you have to do is download it…

Reply
By mg on April 23, 2010 at 12:29 pm:

Nice app, great idea, but READ THEIR PRIVACY STATEMENT. They can basically do whatever they want with the info they collect from your phone, I guess that’s how they can offer this service for free. At least they are honest about it.

Reply
- By xwatchmanx on November 8, 2010 at 6:18 am:
  
  I can tell you for a fact that lookout mobile security does NOT protect your phone at all. I read a review from a couple tech guys who are linux programmers and have good experience with android, and have talked to quite a few other techs i know, and all of them agree with the following information.
  
  For starters, android is linux based. hence, it’s literally impossible for it to contract a virus through an app (i heard some story recently that somewhere in russia, a virus was attacking linux based devices, but not through apps, and such a thing was very rare). Apple also uses a linux base for the iphone and mac, which is why they are famous for not getting viruses.
  
  I had lookout 6 mos back, and i can tell you, my phone definitely had some bugs that were slowing it down (from corrupting files and the like, not from viruses), but lookout never detected them. All lookout ever did was merrily check 120 apps in 30 seconds (yeah right!) and find no viruses evry day, and eat my battery and make my phone slowslowSLOW.
  
  Also, because of the way linux works (and protects your phone from viruses, interestingly enough), it is impossible for an app like lookout to have the permissions to truly access the code of apps and the system to check for viruses. The only thing it can check for viruses on, is itself. so congratulations… you have a crap malware app that eats battery, slows your phone down, and is capable of checking itself for viruses (so that it can MORE EFFICIENTLY steal your battery and speed, lol).
  
  I say “malware” cuz it has evry permission imaginable. why the frik does it need to read my gps location, internet info, phone, state, phone calls, and so much more? um, no thank you! ever notice how lookout is one of those apps thats constantly in the little ad on ad-supported apps? and ever notice how 99.99999% of those ads tend to be fake spam/scams? Lookout DOES have some cool backup-tools, but again, it backs up ALL your data, and the lookout monsters get even MORE of ur info that way for their spam needs. i know i started getting telemarket calls and spam emails after i downloaded this app, something i never got before.
  
  now, if you want a good backup app, try “My Backup”. It’s this neat little program that you can use to backup all your apps and phone data, either online or straight to your sd card, and when zipped, it takes surprisingly little memory, and only a matter of 3 or 4 minutes to do so, and maybe 5 minutes to restore (depends on how many text msgs you have, etc). There’s a free version that’s basically a 30 day full trial, and then there’s “My Backup Pro” which is permanent for $5 or $6. pricey, but worth it. if your a root user, it’s even more indispensable because it can restore app data and market links. so when you restore your apps, not only does it restore all data (control settings on gameboid, notes on notepad app, etc), but it restores link to the market so you still get notifications when an update for the app is availabe. it’s really really cool. seriously, get that, not this lookout crap malware! hope this helps someone.
  
  Reply
  - By Jason Norment on November 8, 2010 at 7:40 am:
    
    You bring up a lot of good points. Linux (as does other UNIX based systems such as Mac) very rarely have any sort of malware issues that will cause problems with the OS itself. In fact, that’s why a lot of my friends and family have switched to using Macbook computers because of the lack of viruses. On the other hand, a Mac can carry a Windows-based virus in it’s hard drive and stay in-active until it gets passed along to a Windows PC. If Lookout could locate Windows-based viruses, that would be great except I don’t think that’s necessarily their idea here. As I mentioned before, the first step to security and privacy is simply being aware of what you install on your phone. Take the time to read the permissions before you install an app. Even take it one step further a locate the app review here on AndroidTapp and see if we had an issues. Cross-reference any material with other sources if you still have doubt.
    
    I mentioned this to Antonio last week: Did you notice that Verizon now endorses Lookout Mobile Security? I’ve known seen them promote the app in their commercials. Interesting…
    
    Reply
    - By xwa on November 8, 2010 at 7:57 am:
      
      yeah… i still cant believe so many websites (no offense to android tapp) are so ignorantly promoting this app. and now Verizon Wireless too?? I was ready to throw something at the tv when i saw that commercial, lol.
      
      Reply
      - By Jason Norment on November 8, 2010 at 8:41 am:
        
        I like the awareness they have brought to mobile security. It’s been almost a snowball effect with other companies also doing research. If they would remove their “malware” aspect of their app more people would use their product. Even more alarming: I hear that some wireless reps from major carriers help new Android users install this app.
  - By HP on January 25, 2012 at 7:35 pm:
    
    Thanks for the info…I installed the trail version a few minutes ago and I was looking for reviews on it before I bought the premium. Now, I just uninstall from my phone.
    
    Reply
  - By angryguy on April 30, 2013 at 4:25 pm:
    
    i had lookout on my phone…it has never ever found anything in almost a year. also i set it to scan at 4 am and it scans randomly throughout the day….yet never ever at 4 am. it just does whatever it wants. i think it is just there to read my texts and sell my info to ad agencies. crap program
    
    Reply
By Tobba on May 8, 2010 at 4:07 am:

How can you review an antivirus app without even checking if it does the job? From the one review I rad that actually checked the app, it failed to recognize any malware at all.
Also, what mg said: they basically surveil all activity on your phone, how’s that for dodgy from a practically unknown company?

Reply
By Stephanie on May 17, 2010 at 1:31 pm:

Downloaded this app on my STORM and love it! Super easy to use. Absolutely recommend it!

Reply
- By Android Tapp on May 17, 2010 at 1:40 pm:
  
  I’m curious, what’s the STORM?
  
  Reply
  - By ag on August 13, 2010 at 8:10 pm:
    
    THE STORM IS A BLACKBERRY!1
    
    Reply
    - By Antonio Wells on August 13, 2010 at 10:14 pm:
      
      Lookout is on Android, Windows Mobile and Blackberry.
      
      Reply
By Mike Buck on May 18, 2010 at 6:20 am:

Got this installed on the nexus one, it has slowed it down a tiny bit but worth it for the safety. Always get an error on their website when i try oout the locate phone option though.!

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By Mina on May 21, 2010 at 12:36 pm:

Just got my phone stolen, love that I still have my data online. However, if the phone is off, i cannot locate my phone, and another thing is that to access my phone they would need to know my PIN number to unlock the simcard and my physical passcode, so they wont be able to use my phone at all and I wont be able to track it

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By M DroidX on July 30, 2010 at 11:25 am:

Motorola Droid X. I downloaded Lookout thinking/hoping it would do what it says – back up my phone contacts, locate my phone and wipe my data if needed. So far it’s a big letdown. The only contacts it backed up were from my Gmail account, which obviously are already backed up online. The locate feature only worked half the time. The antivirus scanned, but didn’t log on the website that it scanned, so I’m not sure if it actually did anything.

Does anyone know of an app that can actually do all this on Android OS… backs up phone contacts and can locate it if stolen? Antivirus or anti-malware would be a plus. Thanks.

Reply
- By Antonio Wells on July 30, 2010 at 11:27 am:
  
  As of yesterday I’m personally questioning that as I have been receiving mixed responses of some saying it does and some saying it doesn’t.
  
  Reply
By Daniel on August 3, 2010 at 1:09 pm:

You a-holes.. why would you recommend an App that you really have no idea how it works. Lookout is SPYWARE. Lookout Mobile Security is a data harvesting app that requires that the public “trust” the company (Black Hat hackers) with all of their data, and I mean ALL… all SMS messages, calendar, contacts, GPS locations, everything. When users give this app permission, they have handed their cell phone to strangers forever.

How could you recommend this!? You are enabling crimes and you are enabling trust when there isn’t even a way to prove that the app download from Market hasn’t itself been tampered with!! There’s no hash, there’s nothing.

Why does this app need to have the user’s private data? Isn’t it just supposed to monitor and scan apps for virus and malware? They aren’t telling us the whole story. They are harvesting data, raising million$$ in private capital. Those venture capitalists are the owners of all of the data harvested! WAKE UP!!!

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By Fatman on August 4, 2010 at 3:59 am:

I have to agree with Daniel. Lookout’s privacy terms are horrific. Quote:

“…our servers automatically record certain information about your usage from your mobile device and web browser. These server logs may include information such as IMEI/equipment identification number, IMSI/subscriber identification number, mobile phone number, device type and manufacturer, operating system type and version, wireless carrier / operator, network type, country of origin, web requests, Internet Protocol (‘IP’) address, browser type, browser language, referring / exit pages and URLs, platform type, time zone, user agent, number of clicks, domain names, landing pages, pages viewed and the order of those pages, features used in the Lookout mobile application, the amount of time spent on particular web pages, the dates and times of your requests, and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser.”

We read your emails, and we know where you live. How about:

“Lookout discloses some personally identifiable, registration, or location information to subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or other businesses or persons for the purpose of providing certain features of the Lookout Services and for processing such information on our behalf.”

We sell your information to spam harvesters. Also, I noticed this in section 8 of the terms of service:

“YOU UNDERSTAND AND HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU MAY NOT AND WARRANT THAT YOU WILL NOT:… b. fail to deliver payment for the Lookout Services;…”

Not sure I understand how I’m supposed to deliver payment for a free app.

As awesome as it looks, there’s no way I’m letting this thing touch my Magic!

Reply
- By Jason Norment on September 9, 2010 at 11:33 pm:
  
  @Fatman: I would definitely check the privacy policy on your home anti-virus/security software too and carefully and read what they say. You’d be surprised!
  
  Reply
  - By Fatman on September 16, 2010 at 4:37 am:
    
    >@Fatman: I would definitely check the privacy policy on your home
    >anti-virus/security software too and carefully and read what they say.
    >You’d be surprised!
    
    @Jason: I will have to take your word on that. I don’t use any anti-virus or security software on my personal systems. Yes I know, most unwise, but I just can’t stand the bloat (Norton, AVG, ZoneAlarm) or the horribly outdated update systems (ClamWin, Spybot Search and Destroy).
    
    It seems to me many of the so-called anti-malware available show much the same behaviour as the very thing they seek to destroy (Norton in particular). I find much better results from a little knowledge and some good security habits.
    
    Reply
    - By xwatchmanx on November 24, 2010 at 10:51 pm:
      
      i have to agree. UGH! my girlfriend has an acer laptop with Norton hardwired into it, and there’s no way to get rid of it. Even if you dont install it and use a different antivirus system instead, it prompts you multiple times to set it up evry time you log in. I’ve literally tried EVRYTHING to get it off her laptop, even a hard reset, and it still stays! even worse, it’s only a trial version, so after a month or so of use, it denies you the ability to update antivirus protection and prompts you to buy the full version all the time. ARGH! never will i buy an acer laptop because of this. lol. Personally, i use microsoft security essentials. I’m comfortable with that cuz, frankly, it’s free, does the job well, and it made by the same guys who make the OS. so what’s to fear? if android/google made their own antivirus app, i would trust that.
      
      Reply
      - By daHedda on March 6, 2011 at 2:33 pm:
        
        Have you tried uninstalling the Norton trial tool from your programs? I have configured many Acers and and have never had a problem removing the Norton trial to putting what I want on it.
      - By Scott on August 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm:
        
        Hey if Norton was already on the Acer you should be able to easily uninstall it through remove programs in the control panel. If not then Norton makes a removal tool for just such an emergency.
By scott on August 9, 2010 at 1:09 pm:

once you uninstall it can your phone still be affected by it?

Reply
- By Jason Norment on September 9, 2010 at 11:28 pm:
  
  @Scott: How is your phone “affected” by it when it’s installed?
  
  Reply
- By xwatchmanx on November 24, 2010 at 10:53 pm:
  
  no it cant. it’s not “truly” a virus or anything, it just harvests all ur info and most likely sells it to spammers. Once you uninstall the app, no more. but remember, even that short hour, or day, or wk, or month that you have it on your phone is well more than enough time for it to gather more than all the info it needs.
  
  Reply
By D9 on September 9, 2010 at 8:36 pm:

And exactly which viruses is this app supposed to find? Exactly, there are none for android. also majority of the comments/endorsments are fake. androidtapp.com is done for me as a trusted source.

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- By Jason Norment on September 9, 2010 at 11:26 pm:
  
  @D9: Have you looked at the App Genome Project? Might be something to look into before you dismiss security on a mobile device: http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/27/lookout-app-genome-project/
  
  Reply
By D9 on September 10, 2010 at 5:48 pm:

Actually I did. Increased consumer awareness of mobile security threats sounds nice, but scaring users with fake threats (viruses?) and using missleading marketing tactics on one hand (fake reviews, endorsments) while doing EXACTLY what you promisse to defend users from on the other hands it’s just immoral. Lookout is not any better that all the other fake antivirus vendors out there who push their useless apps and browser bars while harvesting users data.
The existence of these apps is the price we pay for the openness of the platform, but what actually saddens me is the useless nature of the review sites who are clueless enough to fall for nice graphs and marketing blurb instead of informing and protecting their readers.

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- By Jason Norment on September 10, 2010 at 6:29 pm:
  
  @D9: Before I begin, let me start by saying I don’t use Lookout Mobile Security. When I had my Blackberry, I used SmrtGuard. The funny thing is no one ever made a fuss about that application although it practically did the same thing except it did not act as an anti-virus (free version only, paid version included malware protection). Lookout seems to have more to offer than just being an anti-virus program. The fact that they are trying to provide some sort of insight on the security is admirable. I won’t find myself to be interested enough to follow what they do on a daily basis but I take a peak every once in a while. Privacy is huge in todays world when it comes to anything that accesses the internet. In fact, privacy has always been a concern but within the past few years mobile devices have entered that discussion as well.
  
  Privacy and security starts with the consumer. No piece of software can fix your intentional mistakes every time if your not conscious and careful enough to be educated about what you do with your product. This goes for anyone using Lookout or WaveSecure or any other product. Data backup? I have my own process so I have no need for this option. Locate my phone? Sprint Family Locator does that for me (and yes I’m willing to pay the extra fee per month for the two phones I have on my account). Anti-virus? This one is tricky. No other company has pushed the extent of discovering virus like Lookout has done. Does that mean that they don’t exist? Not necessarily but to be blind and think that they are impossible isn’t a smart approach to the topic. The part that intrigues me is how their idea of “anti-virus” is geared more towards malware as a whole rather than just viruses. The App Genome Project is an example of that and I’m curious to see how the results continue as they progress with the project. Does that mean I’m going to use a Lookout product? I’m not inclined to do so anytime soon.
  
  Regarding privacy policies, the interesting thing about Android users is they are not only your “average” consumer but also the techie types as well. I can say without a doubt that a majority of my friends and family members have probably never read the privacy policy to any piece of software they’ve installed on a computer or mobile device. On several occasions I’m guilty of it as well. It is sometimes frightening to see what is written in those policies once you take the time to look at it. Not saying that companies may sell your personal information and data but the amount of access they have to it is astounding.
  
  With mobile security, the only way to be completely secure is to not use a device at all. Security on any internet-connected device is extremely important and Androids are definitely not excluded from the list. I can’t say that constitutes using Lookout but everyone should be encouraged to use safe practices when downloading apps or accessing the internet. Lookout is a free product with innovative ideas that provide consumers with a piece of mind. Don’t use if it you don’t feel you need it. Don’t use SmrtGuard either if that’s not up to your liking. On the other hand, I wouldn’t go as far to call Lookout’s product misleading or fake. Over 250,000 Android users have downloaded the app so far. At the Getties Award hosted by Getjar, it was voted Best Android App of 2010 over 7,000 over nominees (source: http://www.gettieawards.com/). I guess they must be doing something right. I just don’t feel I need this application on my phone.
  
  The choice to use it or not is up to you. We’re all entitled to our opinions. I respect the product but I don’t have a desire to use it.
  
  Reply
By James I on September 11, 2010 at 7:55 pm:

I am glad I came to this site. I was starting the install process (without reading privacy policy yea I know silly me) and the program asked me to grant permission to act as a server. What?! Didn’t really feel comfortable with this. It seems quite obvious now that 1. Is there really any virus I need to worry about on my blackberry and 2. Data harvesting is very real and when I saw the privacy and what and how they collect info-well that is quite shocking and I immediately uninstalled the program.

I think the lesson is to actually start reading the privacy policy on everything I sign up for or install BEFORE doing so.

Cheers for the previous comments guys.

Reply
- By Jason Norment on September 11, 2010 at 9:22 pm:
  
  @James: A couple of key points to remember. These items are directly from the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use:
  
  “1. Your privacy is not for sale.
  
  Lookout will not share your personally identifiable, registration, or client device information or backup or location data with third-parties except under the following conditions:
  
  You have provided your express consent or if you have opted-in to be part of a specific program or feature in accordance with the applicable Lookout Services consent procedures.
  It is necessary to provide you with the Lookout products and services. For example, we may share this information with subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or other businesses or persons for the purpose of providing certain features of the Lookout Services and for processing such information on our behalf. This may include disclosing information to our SMS service partners for the purpose of sending text messages to your phone. We require that these parties agree to process such information in compliance with our privacy policy, we use reasonable efforts to limit their use of such information, and we require these parties to use any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
  We are required to do so by law, or have a good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with state and federal laws or respond to a court order, subpoena, or search warrant.
  We believe, in good faith, that it is appropriate or necessary to: enforce our Terms of Use; take precautions against liability; protect users from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful uses; investigate and defend ourselves against any third-party claims or allegations; assist government enforcement agencies; protect the security or integrity of the Lookout Services; or protect the rights, property, or personal safety of Lookout, users, or others.”
  
  and also:
  
  “3. We limit the collection and use of personal information.
  
  We are committed to only collecting information that is necessary to provide you with Lookout services. The information we collect is stored and associated with your account unless otherwise noted. We take your privacy seriously and will only disclose this information under the terms described in this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy also identifies when we may store and/or release data in an anonymized aggregate form so that it cannot be associated with any individual user.”
  
  and lastly:
  
  “7. PAYMENT TERMS; CANCELLATION
  
  The Lookout Services are free to use. Lookout will not charge any fees to you for your use of the Lookout Services without your permission. Your carrier or service provider may charge fees for data usage, messaging, or other services that are required for you to use the Lookout Services. If you wish to discontinue using the Lookout Services, then you may cancel your Lookout Services subscription.”
  
  We knew Lookout wouldn’t stay free forever. In fact, if you read this they even announce it on their site: https://lookout.zendesk.com/entries/205721-premium-product-coming-soon
  
  Security products often have a lot of information at their disposal. Their privacy policy states right on it that they don’t not sell or share personal information. For once in my life I feel as if the consumers are creating the FUD, not the product developers. If your not comfortable allowing a piece of software access to all your data in order to protect you, I suggest uninstalling any firewall/anti-virus product you may have.
  
  Let me clarify: I am by no means endorsing this product or have any means to do so. I’ve seen the increase of public awareness over the years as well as the need to increase security within technology. I hope it doesn’t take a massive piece of malware for users to believe they can exist.
  
  Reply
- By Fatman on September 16, 2010 at 5:02 am:
  
  @James: I should point out that I was in full paranoid security-droid mode when I made the above post. I was cherry-picking the worst out of the terms. That’s not to say I don’t stand by my words, but Jason presents another view worthy of consideration.
  
  I don’t see any valid reason for a virus scanner to act as a server either. The server requirement could be explained as laziness on the part of the packaging team. As I understand it, each application is wrapped up in its own package (“apk”). The apk contains a set of flags denoting certain permissions required by the packaged application (network access, access to SD card, access to phone book, etc). These flags determine what you see on the “this program requires access to the following” screen.
  
  When designing the package for an application, it’s easier just to say “give me all permissions” than to selectively pick the ones you need. On these occasions I find it handy to remember the words of (possibly) Napoleon Bonaparte: “Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence”.
  
  Reply
By Mark on October 12, 2010 at 4:10 pm:

I figured this scam out too but sadly most people are persuaded easily. I never heard one person say this app actually found anything. There permission list is bigger than any app Ive seen and they actually added more to that in a update. So it is not just a mistake this company is rich and smart.

Why do you think you find a million website reviews of this app, you think thats just a coincidence? Funny how most of the reviews on websites even sound like they selling the product more than doing a review. And none could guarantee this could find a virus. Most seem like they were influenced to write a review. How did a no name company get on 3 different mobile os besides the ios which apple monitors vigourously. And become so popular in a matter of months when its completely free without ads on the app or on there website which btw seem like a very well made and high quality. They also have full support team that monitors the app constantly when I write negative review about this with the limited space I have on market they seem to write thanks for all the positive reviews or spam a million good reviews at like 4 am in the morning central to quickly get my message unnoticed. Ok they also advertise everywhere. I have about 15 to 20 free apps on my Evo no exaggeration Lookout as the only advertiser. Huh? That’s how I figured it out. No sane business on the planet make something free with no support from advertisers, have full support team who works for free right, a top notch website no ads, are hiring, and on top of that pay to advertise their completely free product everywhere.

You look at the permissions and you have your answer they have more permissions than Google themselves to your phone. Read & manage your accounts, browser history, read contacts, text messages, emails, change your phone settings, you name it they have on the permissions allowed. Where’s my Droid helps you find your phone by screaming or gps but don’t need a quarter of these permissions, online backup apps don’t either. There is no way on earth they need complete control over your phone for these few features and no one has ever said it found a virus ever. Think just think its working and some use the find phone feature thinking the whole app is legit. Finally Ive seen bad reviews from time to time saying it always found no virus but later found out they had multiple virus. Don’t download this crap just look at the apps you download is from a trusted name and if so what are the permissions for the app. A puzzle game shouldnt need to read your contacts, accounts, emails etc. only full internet for ads if its free. Do this things and you’ll be ok unless Google themselves say otherwise because your phone has virus protection built in its Linux based (sorry Windows users if this last part doesn’t apply to you).

Reply
- By Jason Norment on October 12, 2010 at 5:58 pm:
  
  @Mark: Good point. This app does leave a lot of questions unanswered and Lookout isn’t too keen on explaining their reasoning for all the permissions or how they use the data they receive. I found out recently that a lot of sales reps at wireless stores will show a new Android user how to use their phone and often installs either this app or antivirus free. I’m not sure if the companies teach their reps to do this but I found it quite alarming. The idea is brilliant: Mobile devices will become a victim of malware if they haven’t already. This is inevitable, in my opinion, since popular technology becomes subject to this type of intrusion. Since they aren’t any hard statistics to say what type of malware is available, how do you define using this application?
  
  Again, great idea but the validity I do question. It makes you really think how much information applications have to your information even in a Windows PC or Mac. You don’t get to see what permissions a Windows program needs unless you go looking for it. Security is a concern and as consumers we should be aware of it. If there’s one thing companies like Lookout has done for the Android users, it has made us more aware of what we install on our phones. We can thank them for that much for both the good and bad press they’ve received.
  
  Reply
By Brent on October 25, 2010 at 11:52 am:

Just downloaded yesterday, but noticed that one missing option for data backup frequency: while connected to charger.

Reply
By Greengit on October 29, 2010 at 5:38 pm:

Speaking as a noob to android, I’ve had no problems at all with lookout, in fact, if it wasn’t for this app we never would of got my daughters phone back after she lost it last week.
No unacustomed spam has turned up on the email address used with lookout, and none of my bank accounts have been emptied. Admittedly, it has never found a virus, but surely that is a testament to the abilit /sincerity of the app devs and the stability of android/linux? I may be missing something, but if the cost of all this functionality is them knowing my browsing history, that doesn’t seem like a big deal!?

Reply
By John on November 3, 2010 at 6:44 pm:

i’ve notcied that my phone has slowed down quite a bit and i think it is because look out. is there any way i can close this app but not uninstall it so that it is there when i need it?

Reply
- By Fatman on November 5, 2010 at 4:21 am:
  
  Many people recommend task killers but I prefer a more subtle approach. Auto Memory Manager by Mad Squirrel does a fine job of keeping my old HTC Magic 32B perky.
  
  (Be careful! If you make the Memory Manager too aggressive, it will start killing apps all over the place. You don’t want your keyboard app killed, for example. So keep the settings conservative until you find the sweet spot.)
  
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By Dan on November 11, 2010 at 9:09 pm:

To the guy who says linux can’t get malware… wrong and it’s not just linux it’s linux and and a dalvik virtual machine. HOWEVER, there is a review claiming that this app doesn’t find ANY of the most popular malwares, whereas others do. I like the gps and scream feature. Find out where it is. Go there (take big cop friend with you) tell it to scream.. HOWEVER, ES Security has one better.. auto locking if sim is replaced, remote locking with a message on screen, and emails you gps coordinates(not quite as nice as the map). Most of the time you lose your phone it probably isn’t stolen, it’s probably found by some honest person who has no idea who you are, and if you’re reading this you probably use pattern lock so they can’t easily find out who you are. Put an email address on the message and you’ll likely get it back quickly (but I haven’t tested it personally yet; does it work with pattern lock?). Of course a sticker on the back could do the same thing more easily. Sometimes low-tech is the best solution.

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- By xwatchmanx on November 11, 2010 at 10:56 pm:
  
  quote from my last post:
  
  “…android is linux based. hence, it’s literally impossible for it to contract a virus through an app (i heard some story recently that somewhere in russia, a virus was attacking linux based devices, but not through apps, and such a thing was very rare). Apple also uses a linux base for the iphone and mac, which is why they are famous for not getting viruses.”
  
  Not once in there did i say that linux CANNOT get malware. i simply said it’s difficult. just wanted to clarify that. please read my entire post before making assumptions, thank you.
  
  Sorry if that seems curt. it’s just that i’ve posted this in multiple places on the issue, and almost without fail, someone has yelled out “oh, u dont know nything, linux CAN get viruses, blablabla” when i never SAID linux couldnt.
  
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By Anthony on November 13, 2010 at 3:26 am:

I got a little too drunk and lost my phone. Fortunate enough I had the lookout on my phone. Turns out it was in the middle of the lawn under some leaves. I was very lucky that the app included a screaming device that made a VERY loud noise and i was able to find it. THANK GOD for the lookout app!!!!!

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- By xwatchmanx on November 13, 2010 at 6:51 pm:
  
  nice, but there are similar apps that do the same thing w/o stealing all your personal information and almost certainly selling it to spammers.
  
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  - By Dave on November 18, 2010 at 9:48 am:
    
    soooo, what similar apps are we talking here?
    
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    - By xwatchmanx on November 18, 2010 at 10:33 am:
      
      For backups and tracking? personally, My Backup Pro has never failed me. The “pro” version (there’s a trial version you can download that expires after a month) is a bit expensive for an app ($5 or $6) but completely worth it. You can back up all your apps, data, messages, call log, favorites, contacts, calendar, alarms, settings, and so much more! And it stores it all in a surprisingly small .zip file on your SD card. It actually works pretty quickly, too (tho restoring data takes a little longer), and can work in the background. Whenever you wipe your phone/get a new one, just go to the market, re-download my backup/my backup pro, restore data, and you’re good to go. And if you’re rooted, it backs up and restores app data and market links, so you dont have to re-download from the market in order to be alerted when and app has an available update, etc. Really REALLY cool!
      
      for tracking, there’s one free app i’ve used that works AMAZINGLY well, but i COMPLETELY forgot what it’s called! I used it at one point, but then the GPS died on my samsung moment (you know, that phone has a HORRIBLE GPS issue), so there was little point in me having it. Basically, it allows you to track your phone’s location using a website on your PC, allows you to “browse” ur phone from the website (not sure how that works exactly), and allows you to text your phone if lost or stolen (id est, “if you find these phone, please return to…”, “I know where you are, you stole…”). Really really nice as well.
      
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By billypham on November 19, 2010 at 3:53 am:

I agree with xwatchmanx. Using the word scanning malware is very misleading, esp to the layman.

Lookout does not have the virus detection like many anti virus running on window. What it does is to scan all the app package installed on your phone and compare these package names with their database on server side. If the package name match with their server’s record, that app will be marked as virus/malware. That’s why their scanning speed is ridiculously fast.

Lookout absolutely has no ability to detect new virus.

I guess they are using a thread running on background. That’s why it drains much of your phone’s battery

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By ggallman on November 24, 2010 at 10:23 pm:

Lookout has received $5.5 million in Series A funding from Khosla Ventures, Trilogy Partnership, and angel investors including Phil Paul, founder of Paul Capital Partners; Chris Sacca, former head of special initiatives at Google; and Joseph Ansanelli, former chief executive of Vontu.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10421525-245.html#ixzz16GSWsubw

They now offer both a free version and a paid version. Paid version offers everything backup as well as remote (web based) phone lock, and remote data wipe. They have 3 million users. Some free users will upgrade to a paid user.

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By AM on December 2, 2010 at 7:18 am:

I just lost my Android Phone and I am pretty mad that I only had installed lookout and not any other Theftsecurity app. Of course the phone was turned off immediately and now lookout can’t traced it. Apparently most of the other security apps send a text message when the SIM card is exchanged etc.
How should I now get my phone back?!

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By natasha on December 22, 2010 at 9:41 pm:

I just had my phone stolen, called the police and thanks to lookout mobile we were able to track it. It was at a house party..when they saw the cops show up, the kid panicked and went to another location about 10 houses down. We refreshed the information & saw that the phone moved about 10 houses away. The police drove over & started knocking on doors. We paged the phone “scream feature” and the little coward left it on his front porch so we heard the loud siren! I have a Samsung Intercept..not fancy, but had my kids’ pictures that are priceless. LOVE LOOKOUT… THANK YOU LOOK OUT MOBILE!!!

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By GA on February 15, 2011 at 6:37 am:

I installed lookout and changed my mind – but now it needs a password or code to uninstall the darn application … can anyone help me out?

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By DuhGeek on March 2, 2011 at 9:48 am:

Whether Lookout works well or not, isn’t the issue with me. They are obviously harvesting vast amounts of data on unsuspecting, trusting, people. I refuse to give any company full access to my surfing habits, where I’ve been, who I’ve called, who I’ve texted, and what I’ve texted, and who knows what else. I’d rather lose my phone and get a new one than hand over everything to complete stangers who sell the info to people. Probably funded by the NSA or DHS….

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By Micha on April 12, 2011 at 11:59 pm:

I seriously have problems with companies bringing out apps saying to garantee safety.
The only thing that has to happen is to have my password hacked at mylookout.com and all data becomes available to the hacker.
Countries should seriously implement protocols/laws against companies/apps like this. It”s totally unsafe!

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By Steve on March 9, 2013 at 6:56 pm:

Had to do a factory reset on my HTC Thunderbolt & after logging into my GMail account successfully, I installed Lookout. When trying to finalize setup, all I get is the following message every time I attempt to login to Lookout:
“Your email and password did not match.”

I can login to GMail on my phone and on my pc, and I’m not fat fingering the p/w. Interesting that Lookout won’t allow me to login using the same information.

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By jazmin on April 23, 2013 at 3:17 pm:

i lost my fone(android) on april 11, and i tried using lookout to locate it, but when i when it said said it found it, the date was April 4, and i still havent found it, but everytime i try to find it on lookout from my computer, it says it found it but on April 4…what can i do so that i can get a more recent date?! PLEASE HELP!!!

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