Seven out of 10 organisations had laptop computers stolen during the past 12 months, according to a recent survey by AusCERT.
Laptop security solutions provider, Computrace, says these thefts are avoidable with its security and tracking software.
The average corporate loss from laptop theft, including lost data and employee time, was $15 988, according to the survey. The highest loss reported was over $200 000.
“These alarming figures contrast sharply with the minimal losses among enterprises protecting their assets with laptop security and tracking software,” says Computrace CEO, Bruce Tweedie. “Over the past two years, only one-in-500 laptops protected by Computrace have been stolen.”
Computrace-protected laptops send a daily signal to the company’s central data centre which tracks the computer’s IP address and serial number. According to the company, when a computer is reported stolen, Computrace asks the machine to signal a central data centre every 15 minutes. When the machine logs on to the Internet, Computrace identifies it and gives information to police to help recover the computer. The company said Computrace is also difficult to remove as it’s embedded in a computer’s BIOS.
Computrace Australia also offers a recovery warranty of up to $1,000 (subject to conditions) if a stolen computer cannot be recovered within 60 days.
Computrace boasts that Dell, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard and other original equipment manufacturers embed its security software in the BIOS of their machines. Computrace can be bundled in a laptop purchase or bought separately.
