You've heard a lot about laptop and mobile device tracking software. You might think that you're protected because you've installed this particular piece of security software. Or rather, "security software." In quotes because tracking software is not security software, as the following story's details clearly show. If you're looking for mobile security software, you should look for something that brings more to the table, like AlertBoot.
According to nypost.com, a Brooklyn (NY) man's laptop and other personal effects were stolen from his apartment. Thankfully, he installed tracking software on his computer, allowing him to track "it to 100 feet or so from its actual location." But, problems surfaced (my emphasis): He turned all the information [current users logged in, screen shots, GPS stuff, Webcam photo, open programs, wireless info] over to cops in the 77th Precinct, but grew frustrated when police did not immediately recover the computer. The camera showed the computer in an apartment, but there was no apartment building at that location. "The software helps. It's a huge help. [But] it's not exact," said a police source familiar with the case. "Part of the trouble was finding a good address." How long did it take to recover the laptop? Three weeks. Basically, police officers had to stake out the vicinity and identify the person that showed up on the webcam. Three weeks. If you have any sensitive data on your device, that's a looooooooooong time. Plus, it's pretty apparent that there was nothing preventing an unauthorized person from using the computer in question. Tracking software in of itself is not security software -- and it will never be. It's an asset recovery tool.
According to nypost.com, a Brooklyn (NY) man's laptop and other personal effects were stolen from his apartment. Thankfully, he installed tracking software on his computer, allowing him to track "it to 100 feet or so from its actual location."
But, problems surfaced (my emphasis):
He turned all the information [current users logged in, screen shots, GPS stuff, Webcam photo, open programs, wireless info] over to cops in the 77th Precinct, but grew frustrated when police did not immediately recover the computer. The camera showed the computer in an apartment, but there was no apartment building at that location. "The software helps. It's a huge help. [But] it's not exact," said a police source familiar with the case. "Part of the trouble was finding a good address."
He turned all the information [current users logged in, screen shots, GPS stuff, Webcam photo, open programs, wireless info] over to cops in the 77th Precinct, but grew frustrated when police did not immediately recover the computer. The camera showed the computer in an apartment, but there was no apartment building at that location.
"The software helps. It's a huge help. [But] it's not exact," said a police source familiar with the case. "Part of the trouble was finding a good address."
How long did it take to recover the laptop? Three weeks. Basically, police officers had to stake out the vicinity and identify the person that showed up on the webcam.
Three weeks. If you have any sensitive data on your device, that's a looooooooooong time. Plus, it's pretty apparent that there was nothing preventing an unauthorized person from using the computer in question.
Tracking software in of itself is not security software -- and it will never be. It's an asset recovery tool.
Tracking software for devices is a terrific tool; but as I've pointed out, it's not security software. If what you were trying to protect were a bar of gold or other tangible material, it could be: you lose it, you track it, you recover it. You have it, no one else does. However, when it comes to data, it's a different story. You could recover it, and you could have it back...along with five million other people. I mean, that's what happens when music files are leaked on the internet. That's why when it comes to data security on mobile devices, your first line of defense is not tracking software but something that restricts access to authorized people only. For example, MDM (mobile device management) software generally tends to come with the ability to remotely lock and wipe devices, and even to force the use of passwords (something that over 50% of mobile device users do not do, according to numerous studies and surveys).
Tracking software for devices is a terrific tool; but as I've pointed out, it's not security software. If what you were trying to protect were a bar of gold or other tangible material, it could be: you lose it, you track it, you recover it. You have it, no one else does.
However, when it comes to data, it's a different story. You could recover it, and you could have it back...along with five million other people. I mean, that's what happens when music files are leaked on the internet.
That's why when it comes to data security on mobile devices, your first line of defense is not tracking software but something that restricts access to authorized people only. For example, MDM (mobile device management) software generally tends to come with the ability to remotely lock and wipe devices, and even to force the use of passwords (something that over 50% of mobile device users do not do, according to numerous studies and surveys).
Related Articles and Sites:http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/mac_jacked_n0Su3Thgg5pOr676Yl0qkK