Stolen laptop can finger crims then self destruct
A UK firm says it has developed a WiFi laptop tracking security app which destroys its own data when moved beyond the network.
It claims that its Backstopp product uses IP addressing, RFID tags and GPS triangulation to keep an eye on laptops. If the machine is moved to somewhere it shouldn’t be then a self destruct can be triggered or set to go off automatically.
Should the lappy have a built in web cam, it can also be programmed to take pictures of whoever stole and beam them back to the network. The firm is not claiming that it is a first line of defence but says it is a useful security addition.
"The vast majority (of laptops) are not stolen for their data, but the ultimate recipient will often come across the data and use it for criminal purposes. This solution prevents that illicit use,” commented Dean Bates, CTO of Virtuity.
It costs a tenner a month to set up.
A GPS connection is in development which will be able to destroy data and get photos of the culprits out without needing WiFi.
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The GPS connection is good for finding out where you are but it must be some cellular service to beam back photos of the evil-doers since GPS is a one way street.
Does GPS work inside buildings? The one on my Nokia N810 really sucks.
so it "destroys its own data when moved beyond the network"...but what happens if you just turn off your wifi, or if the network goes down, or your signal just randomly drops off for no reason.

In fact, the only way this will be of any use is if the laptop is still turned on while its being stolen, hmm, mighty useful. I'm sure some idiot civil servant manager is ordering a load of them right now.

Neat idea though, kinda reminds me of that film where prisoners were chained together and had explosive neck braces on...wait a minute, that's a much better idea for laptop security.
Wouldn't it be better to use Truecrypt instead of deleting everything?

Sounds like a good idea. Although during travel the laptop would be in and out of range of networks, especially if taken on an airplane.

Maybe a software program would popup and warn of impending data doom so the end user doesn't accidentally wipe all the data?
When they say self destruct do they mean the laptop will be lined with explosives or some thing, and then just all of a sudden go off like a grenade?
So what happens if the connection is lost from not leaving the area but from malfunction or temporary loss of signal then what it kills it self??

Worker accidently brings it home ........ to do work at home
If it "destroys its own data when moved beyond the network", it seems a lot to pay for a mobile thin client...
Quite an achievement, eh ?
Too bad the only thing needed to work around this is probably to boot on a USB key or CD that reformats the hard drive.