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LG’s G3 smartphone will come pre-installed with a...

LG’s G3 smartphone will come pre-installed with a customized version of McAfee Mobile Security that includes a anti-theft feature designed to protect users from unauthorized factory resets, the companies said Thursday. They said the security program has a kill switch…

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that lets users disable their phone remotely if it’s lost or stolen and for content to be wiped to prevent personal information from being compromised. Smartphones have become a target for criminals because of the hardware value and the personal data consumers store on them, said the two firms in a news release Thursday (http://bit.ly/1liLBKO). A Creighton University study found Americans spend roughly $580 million annually replacing stolen phones. As part of a multi-year global partnership, the LG G3 is equipped with a “distinct version” of McAfee’s Mobile Security, which was activated on the phones beginning May 28, the companies said. Software features including antivirus, data backup, remote lock and wipe, and remote tracking are available via the McAfee app for five years at no cost, the company said. McAfee’s Mobile Security lock screen blocks factory resets and rooting attempts, requires password authentication, and can be controlled by the user from the device or the a Web console, the company said. Other LG users can download the software for free at the Google Play Store, but the kill switch will only be available on the G3, a McAfee spokeswoman told us. The partnership is not exclusive and McAfee will “continue to seek new opportunities,” the spokeswoman said.