Remotely Erase Data From Stolen Phone - Lookout

Protecting Your Mobile Data with Lookout

Losing a phone or having it stolen can be a distressing experience. After the initial panic subsides, concerns about data security inevitably arise – what information is at risk, and where might the device be located?

Previously, applications offering remote tracking or data erasure capabilities typically came with a cost. However, a new option has emerged that provides these crucial features at no charge.

Lookout is a free application designed to safeguard your mobile data. It allows for data backups, phone tracking, remote activation of an alarm, and even complete data wiping. Lookout is compatible with Windows Mobile, Android, and Blackberry devices. Furthermore, it includes anti-malware, anti-virus protection, and a remote backup utility for enhanced security.

Getting Started with Lookout

The first step is to download the application to your mobile device. You can begin the download process here.

Select the 'Free Download' button. You will then be prompted to provide your country and mobile phone number.

Alternatively, you can access the mobile site directly at m.mylookout.com. A text message containing a link to http://mylookout.com/m will be sent to your phone.

Upon reaching the mobile page, you'll find a list of supported operating systems. Scroll down if necessary to locate your specific platform.

Click the link corresponding to your operating system to initiate the download. For example, the Windows Mobile download link is shown below.

During installation, it is recommended to choose internal or device storage for optimal performance. While a fast MicroSD card is also an option, installing to the device's internal memory is generally preferable. The application requires approximately 1MB of storage space.

A warning will appear, advising you to ensure you have an unlimited data plan. Exceeding your data allowance can incur significant charges, so proceed with caution.

Your device will restart. Upon rebooting, you will be prompted to create a new Lookout username and password, or to log in with an existing account.

Configuring Lookout

After logging in, you can select the features you wish to enable: Anti-Virus, Firewall, and Data Backup. Enabling all three is recommended for comprehensive protection.

If you choose to enable data backup, a sub-menu will appear, allowing you to specify which data types to back up. These include:

• Contacts
• Pictures
• Documents
• Call History
• SMS Messages
• Audio
• Video

Once configured, all selected functions will be activated, and you will see a confirmation screen.

Using the Remote Features

To utilize the tracking features, access the Lookout website and log in with your credentials.

You can view anti-virus activity, access backed-up data, and locate your missing device using the 'Find My Phone' link.

Clicking this link allows you to pinpoint your device's location on a map, trigger a loud alarm, or remotely erase all data. You also have the option to back up your data one last time before initiating a wipe.

Testing the location feature revealed impressive accuracy. Within approximately two minutes, the application located the test device with pinpoint precision, even identifying its position within a building 14 stories high.

In conclusion, Lookout is a valuable and effective free application for safeguarding your mobile data. Its continued availability as a free service will undoubtedly be a benefit to many users.