How do you sell a security product to owners of devices that have no real security problem? You get into hand-holding business. That’s what it’s like for Lookout Mobile Security, a San Francisco, Calif. firm unveiling Tuesday the free Lookout for iPhone app. Kevin Mahaffey, co-Founder and CTO, Lookout Mobile Security, says his new app is all about positive reinforcement.
Although more than half of iOS users are concerned about mobile security, there’s actually little security threats facing iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users, outside of phishing. Indeed, malware, once commonly found in Android apps, is non-existent in the iOS community. So why the worries? Mahaffey chalks it up to what he calls “general paranoia.”
Instead, what a security app can provide iOS users is reassurance. Like a mental checklist to confirm you unplugged the toaster and didn’t leave the door unlocked when preparing to go on vacation, Lookout for iPhone (actually for any iOS product) lets mobile consumers know they are doing everything they can to be secure.
The app, currently provided to Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile customers, as well as the App Store, starts by ensuring the iOS device is up-to-date. More than a third of iOS users don’t take this simple step to check for app updates that often address security issues. The step also checks to see whether your device is jailbroken, an action Mahaffey says could introduce security problems.
The next step is checking Wi-Fi security. At this stage, the app checks whether you are connected to a protected signal, and if not, a warning alerts you to the fact. Again, another step in hand-holding for iOS owners.
The app next checks your Location Privacy, essentially allowing you to confirm what apps you want to provide your location. Finally, the app will backup and restore your contact list from your iPhone, your iPad — or even an Android device.
This isn’t the first mobile security app Mahaffey’s company has built. The company, which has been around since 2007, also has a version for Android smartphones. He partially defends Android against all of the security flaws reported, saying Android Marketplace has been “unnecessarily pounded” by negative headlines. The major reason for Android being so open to malicious hackers is Google’s mobile software “is very easy to write for,” attracting developers of all stripes.
All of this takes a different tact from the usual security product that frightens you into installing an app to protect your device from a known danger. Instead, Lookout for iPhone comes at security from the user’s perspective, providing the message of “Don’t be afraid,” according to Mahaffey.
