LoJack Serves and Protects Your Laptop Computer

An unlocked office, a head turned at a busy airport, a smashed trunk and a computer is gone. According to FBI statistics a computer is stolen every 53 seconds. Computer left is the second leading form of theft. It follows, and goes hand and hand with, identity theft. A stolen computer means complete access to your confidential information.

Identity theft is a major concern for victims of computer theft but their first concern is often will I get my computer back?

As only 3% of stolen computers are ever recovered through traditional law enforcement means, it is a legitimate question.

"How Can You Improve the Odds?"

Absolute software is offering LoJack for Laptops, a stolen computer recovery service that works for desk tops as well as laptops. Absolute reports a 90% recovery rate for stolen computers with LoJack. When a computer is stolen, users can call Absolute Software's 800 number or go to another computer to report it on line. The computer goes onto Absolute Software's "most wanted" list.

Absolute can determine the location of your computer as it "checks in." If a computer thief uses your computer to go on line using a dial-up modem, Absolute can access the phone number and trace the address. If the thief uses a broadband connection, Absolute can track the IP address and locate a street address with cooperation from the internet service provider. Then LoJack's recovery team, made up of all ex-cops, then connects with local law enforcement and informs them of the location of the stolen laptop.

This has been one issue that has concerned users. Will local law enforcement follow up? A representative from Absolute shared that they initially had this concern as well but have found law enforcement to be very supportive. He explains, "Property theft is a situation where they don't get a lot of success. But this is stolen property with a built-in electronic tip where it's located. They also realized that, in 5% of the cases, the location they go to other criminal activity is taking place." Recently police in McKinney, Texas recovered a stolen laptop from a chop shop and found drugs and weapons as well.

But how can LoJack protect users from Identity Theft?

In seconds, LoJack, with your instruction and permission, can wipe clean your hard drive or any of the software and data from your computer.

The Low Down on LoJack

• It's available at CompUSA. (Absolute Software says they hope to add new retailers this year.)
• LoJack is $49.99 for a year or $99.00 for three years of protection.
• LoJack comes on a disc.
• Users install it on their computer and then call the 800 number.

The monitoring office will tell you right away where your computer is located. It's pretty cool.

Not yet, for Mac Users

Currently there is a corporate version of LoJack available for Macs but not a consumer version. Absolute says that this is in the works.

LoJack is a new tool in the battle against stolen computers and identity theft. If you are the one to find your laptop missing from the office, the airport or the trunk of your car, what will be the odds that you will get it back? Will there be a 3% or a 90% percent chance that you'll see your computer again? Will a thief have not just your laptop but all of your financial information too? It's something to think about.

Lisa Carey