14 DAY TRIAL // Lookout Labs announced a security Android application hot on heels of Carrier IQ full blown scandal. Simply called Carrier IQ Detector, the application determines whether or not the users’ phones contain the infamous Carrier IQ cellphone tracking application.
Those who already have the Lookout Mobile Security application installed on their Android phones should know that the software will not update with the Carrier IQ Detector, so they will need to download and install it separately via Android Market.
Android smartphones users unfamiliar with the Carrier IQ application should be aware of the fact that this application is said to be able to collect, track and store private data, though the software was originally designed to help carriers improve their services.
Given the deep integration of the Carrier IQ software with the smartphone’s firmware, Lookout Labs’ Carrier IQ Detector cannot remove it unless the owner of the handset obtains special privileges.
However, the developer claims that there are side effects to this procedure, including exposing the handset to further risks of malware infection, as well as making the smartphone unable to receive firmware updates in the future.
Basically, those who want to remove the Carrier IQ software after it is detected by the Carrier IQ Detector will need to root their devices in order to receive the required privileges.
Although there are several guides that explain the procedure of removing the Carrier IQ software, in some cases the software was not completely removed. In this regard, it is important to use the Carrier IQ Detector even after the removal procedure shows as successful completed.
Carrier IQ Detector 1.1 for Android is now available as a free download from Android Market and is compatible with all devices running Android 1.5 and up.
The latest version of the application added support for Android 1.5, as well as improved detection for T-Mobile USA and AT&T handsets.
