New product tracks stolen computers

May 2003 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration Access Control & Identity Management

Local distributor Dexchange is offering PC PhoneHome and Mac PhoneHome, two inexpensive programs that monitor and track stolen computers anywhere in the world.

"Computer theft, particularly of Apple Macs and laptops, has reached epidemic proportions, costing governments, corporates, educational institutions, financial institutions and insurance companies millions," said Dexchange CEO, Mike Smith.

"Once installed, the PC PhoneHome program occupies very little space, and is virtually undetectable and ineradicable," said Smith. "Its sole task is to send a secret e-mail to a special operations room every time the computer boots up and connects to the Internet. These messages are ignored until the computer is reported as missing."

The next time the computer logs on and sends the e-mail, the operations centre locks on to it. The physical location can then be established, the premises visited by the South African Police Services, the hardware recovered, the thief arrested, and the forensic evidence gathered for successful prosecution of the thieves. A special team then undertakes the recovery, forensics and return of these items.

Although providing a satisfying conclusion to the theft of a computer, the real reason that organisations like NASA, Yale University and MIT have installed PC PhoneHome is the dramatic reduction in theft, according to Smith. Henrico County (Virginia, USA) issued 12 000 i-Books valued at $18 million for free use by public school pupils. Although a loss of $3 million was anticipated in the first year alone, the amount of actual thefts was zero. Thieves do not want to steal a guaranteed 'go to jail' card. Since its launch, 250 000 computers have had PC PhoneHome installed internationally and, of the few that have been stolen, 95% have been recovered, compared to the FBI's national recovery rate of 3%.

For more information contact Dexchange, 011 807 4902, www.dexchange.co.za

Further reading:

Gallagher Security opens Cape Town office
Gallagher News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Acknowledging a significant period of growth for the company in South Africa, opening a second office will enable Gallagher to increase its presence across the region with staff based in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Read more...

---

Glovent’s SOS Suite triple protects estate residents
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
One hundred and fifty-three years since the world’s first panic button was introduced in New York City, Glovent offers estate residents three different ways of summoning emergency assistance at the touch of a button.

Read more...

---

Suprema showcases enterprise security at Integrate 360
Suprema News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Since 2006, neaMetrics, Suprema’s distributor in Africa, has worked closely with Gallagher, building a robust partnership resulting in seamless integration between Suprema’s advanced biometric readers and Gallagher’s security management platform.

Read more...

---

iProov achieves FIDO Remote Identity Verification certification
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
iProov, iiDENTIFii’s technology partner in Africa, is the first to achieve the new, global certification in face biometric identity verification from the FIDO Alliance, an open industry association whose mission is to reduce the world’s reliance on passwords.

Read more...

---

Dahua launches 2-wire hybrid video intercom system
Dahua Technology South Africa Smart Home Automation Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Dahua Technology has launched a 2-Wire Hybrid Video Intercom System (the Dahua EACH Series) that redefines residential security and communication with its high image quality and easy deployment features.

Read more...

---

WearCheck leads the way in condition monitoring
Wearcheck Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Minimising maintenance costs of mining and power-generating machinery and maximising its operational efficiency – these goals form the foundation of the proactive/preventive maintenance services provided by the expert technicians at condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck.

Read more...

---

Collect data three times faster
SKF South Africa Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF has extended its renowned Microlog Analyzer family of data collection devices with the addition of the Microlog Analyzer dBX. Currently SKF’s most powerful diagnostic tool, this cutting-edge device redefines diagnostic capabilities, enabling users to take measurements three times faster than its predecessor.

Read more...

---

Streamlining government operations with biometrics-driven self-service
NEC XON Government and Parastatal (Industry) Access Control & Identity Management IoT & Automation
The digital age has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for governments worldwide to enhance service delivery, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and fulfil the vision of e-government services, and biometrics is a core aspect of this transformation.

Read more...

---

Impro Launches Primo v1.4
Impro Technologies News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Impro has announced the launch of Primo v1.4. This version introduces a range of powerful features designed to streamline operations and enhance site security, addressing the growing needs of modern organisations.

Read more...

---

New State of Physical Access Control Report from HID
HID Global Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management News & Events
HID released the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report, identifying five key trends shaping access control's future and painting a picture of an industry that has been undergoing considerable transformation.

Read more...

---