Lookout Antivirus Security

Lookout Security & Antivirus provides free security protection, contacts backup, and remote locating and screaming for both phones and tablets. The app requires you to create a free Lookout account, which can be accessed by going to mylookout.com and signing in with your account credentials. Upgrading to a premium account ($2.99/m or $29.99/yr) adds safe browsing, a privacy advisor, backup of pictures and call history, and remote locking and wiping.

The security protection automatically scans apps you install and update and (optionally) new files for viruses and malware. By default it also performs a full scan weekly, which you can schedule for a particular time or day, or turn off if desired.

The backup feature saves your contacts and, if you have a premium account, your pictures and call history to your online account. There you can view them and restore them to the same device should you accidentally erase your data. Premium account holders can choose to restore their data to another tablet or phone, a handy feature if you're migrating to a new device.. Lookout makes backups daily by default, though you can adjust the frequency in the settings menu.

The missing device feature lets you remotely control your device from your online account. By logging in to the Lookout website, you can locate your phone or tablet on a Google Map or make it scream so you can find it even if the device volume is set to low or silent. If you have a premium account, you can remotely lock your tablet or phone to prevent someone from using it, or wipe it to erase all your data in case you have no hope of ever getting it back.

If a thief replaces the SIM card in your phone with their own, the Lookout app will detect the change and show the new number on your online account. You can then use the number to help in catching the thief or, if you are especially devious, you can prank call them at all hours of the night--making them really regret stealing your phone.

If you upgrade to the premium account, the safe browsing feature automatically detects and alerts you if you visit a phishing or malware site. And the privacy advisor helps you identify apps that may be invading your privacy by listing apps that have sensitive permissions, such as those that can read identity info, access messages, or track your location.

When evaluating this app on my Android phone and tablet I didn’t find any major issues. Setting up the app was painless and took only a few minutes. By default, Lookout appears on the notification bar, offering a quick way to open it. Once you open the app, you find a simple, inviting, and user-friendly interface that is extremely easy to navigate.

Though Lookout uses the same uninstall protection as other security apps (setting the app as a device administrator), it would be great to see additional uninstall protection so it’s harder for thieves to remove it.

Overall, this is a great app to help protect your Android smartphone or tablet. However, it’s hard to recommend the premium upgrade for everyone given there are other cheaper or free apps out there that can provide similar protection. For most, the free version will be adequate and you can always upgrade later should you ever need to take advantage of the paid features.

Eric Geier is a freelance tech writer. He’s also the founder of NoWiresSecurity that offers a Wi-Fi security service for businesses and On Spot Techs that provides on-site computer services.