Android App Review: Lookout Anti-Virus
Yesterday, we mentioned that the Android should be very secure because it's based on the Linux kernel. Today, we're reviewing an app from an up-and-coming software security company that focuses on mobile operating systems: Lookout Security & Anti-Virus.
We came across Lookout from this article regarding Android malware threats from CNN Tech. When the time came to add an Anti-Virus to our Android test unit, we chose Lookout because of dissatisfaction with AVG in our use of AVG on Windows systems. Plus, given the fact that Lookout seems to be an emerging expert in the field of Android security, we took a shot at installing and using the software.
Overview:
The app is very straightforward, with 5 buttons which serve as simple choices for controls:
- Security -- Where you can perform a complete scan of your system, or activate the app to secure your system in the background.
- Privacy Advisor -- A Premium function, this will let you scan for apps that send personal, private data to servers.
- Safe Browsing -- Protects your system from phishing sites.
- Backup -- A function to backup your data regularly.
- Missing Device -- Allows you to Locate, Lock, Wipe your device when it's lost or stolen, and even Scream so you can find it if the loss is recent and you believe you're still within the area of the device.
Great Things About The App:
What we love about this Anti-Virus app is that it scans the device thoroughly, and covers all the bases of mobile device security, including an actual loss. When it's been turned on, it also scans any and every download that comes from the Android Market before it gets installed on your device. It also comes with a 14-day trial of the Premium features, so you'll get to see if it's worth buying the Premium version or not.
The Privacy Advisor alone seems to be a feature worthy of a Premium License purchase, so trying it out could be both a good and a bad thing: a good thing because you'll have an extra measure of protection, a bad thing because you'll be shelling out money for an extra feature. Either way, if you value your data and privacy, this function seems to be worth $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year. For PayPal users, sadly, Lookout accepts only credit cards for now.
Bad Things About The App:
If you're on a low-spec Android, you may find that it slows down other processes, like games. We ran Lookout at a time when we were reinstalling apps on the Android after an upgrade from Eclair to Froyo, so the added load on the processes slowed the phone down. If you're running Android on specs higher than 256MB RAM/600MHz CPU/512MB ROM, then we guess you'll have a smoother time with Lookout in the background. Otherwise, if you're running a resource-hog app like a game, you may want to disable Lookout during that time.
Verdict:
We have yet to try the Android version of AVG, but on the whole, we're very happy with Lookout. We especially love that you can scan for data-mining apps and how it scans every single app you download and install from the Android Market. Perfect for protecting yourself against them exploitative Badware!
Rating:
5/5 Stars.
Photo Credits: Lookout Premium Page
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