Lookout Mobile Security, provider of mobile security solutions, has announced the introduction of a localized version of its Lookout app for users in the UK market. The Lookout app, which has been designed to secure mobile devices from threats such as malware and spyware, data loss and phishing scams as well as loss or theft of mobile device, is currently used by more than 12 million users spanning 170 countries. In UK alone more than half a million people leverage the Lookout app to protect their mobile devices from malware threats.

The latest statistics from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech has indicated that across UK the number of people currently using a smartphone has gone up considerably. As proliferation of mobile devices increases, options and provisions to carry and store more personal information over the devices has also increased. This presents greater risk for the spread of malware and increases risk of data theft from fraudsters and hackers.

Lookout, which commissioned a UK survey, found that close to half the respondents (46 per cent) said that they valued their smartphone over their cars or laptop computers. When it came to information respondents said that contact numbers for friends and family (35 per cent) and photos (32 per cent) was the most important data stored on their smartphones. The survey also found that in the case of forty per cent of UK consumers phones had been compromised. 

Although the number of UK respondents who have actively expressed safety concerns for their mobile device and their personal data stored on it is high, very few of them have actually gone ahead and taken steps to secure their devices. A staggering 85 per cent plus users in UK do not deploy any kind of software solution or tool that can help in tracking down their mobile devices in case of theft or loss while 74 per cent do not carry out periodic back-ups for their list of contacts and their personal information.

Lookout provides customers with a suite of free security solutions for Android (News - Alert) smartphones and tablets and for iOS mobile devices. The company delivers a host of security, basic data back-up as well as find-my-phone functionalities in addition to delivering cross-platform and remote management of multiple devices. The Lookout Premium package for Android offers advanced security options such as Safe Browsing while Privacy Advisor which clears personal data accessed by the mobile apps and offers remote lock-and-wipe features can be availed at $3.50 a month or $35 a year.

In other news, Lookout Mobile Security recently announced its international expansion starting with Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, where it will be delivering a product experience adapted for those markets.

As part of Lookout's growth abroad, the company is announcing its relationship with mobile operator Telstra (News - Alert), Australia's largest telecommunications company. With more than 12 million users, Lookout plays an instrumental role in protecting mobile devices from malware and spyware, phishing scams, data loss and loss of the device itself.