Global telecoms operator Orange has unveiled a new service in partnership with mobile security firm Lookout to secure mobile phones in the wake of security issues across the globe.
This partnership will enable protection of thousands of megabytes of information kept and retrieved by smartphones across the world. The Lookout application secures smartphones from malicious apps in addition to offering secure backup for mobile phone data.
The application can locate lost smartphones even when the battery is dead. According to Lookout, it locates 5.5 million Euros (approx US$7.2 million) worth of smartphones across Europe every day through its application, Signal Flare.
“As mobile phones and tablets become more central to our lives, and increasingly our primary way of computing, protecting those devices and the data they contain is critical,” Orange said.
“It is critical we help protect our customers, and this partnership with Lookout allows us to provide additional protection for our customers without them having to take any action, or become experts on mobile security,” Paul-François Fournier, Executive Vice President, Orange Techno Centre said.
“By investing in Lookout we are ensuring that we will continue to help keep our customers safe in the future,” he added.
The Android operating system has been blamed for most of the mobile phone breaches. Google admitted earlier in year that many apps in their Google Play store have extra functionalities, including malware meant to mine data.
The Google owned operating system is reported to be building a malware scanner for the app store to curb the rise in illegal apps.
“Orange is taking a leadership position in making security an essential part of the smartphone experience,” said John Hering, CEO and founder of Lookout. “The combination of Orange’s customer focus and international reach and Lookout’s innovative approach to security will lead to a superior and safer experience for its customers. This partnership underscores our commitment to the European market.”
The application will be available for Orange customers in France, Slovakia, Spain, and the UK with more markets to come.
