Laptop tracking hardware

Networking/Security Forums -> Physical Security and Social Engineering

Author: dwilliams PostPosted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:13 pm    Post subject: Laptop tracking hardware
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Hi all,

Has any one used or have heard of a piece of hardware installed inside of a laptop that helps track a stolen laptop?

I have heard of such a thing but cannot remember the name. It connects inside and uses the MAC address to track its whereabouts.

Any help or suggestions would be helpful.

Cheers,
Dennis

Author: AdamVLocation: Leeds, UK PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:08 am    Post subject:
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One simple and cheap option is a hard-to-remove tag which deters thieves intent on reselling your hardware. If found (eg by police, or just an honest citizen), these usually have a unique serial number / barcode to aid in getting your stuff back. Example of these:
http://www.stoptheft.com/
pro: cheap, simple
con: does not activiely get your machine back, allowing someone to try and get your data or just keep the hardware for themselves.

Active solutions include:
http://www.absolute.com/ (LoJack product)
http://www.phoenix.com/en/Products/Browse+by+Products/Phoenix+FailSafe/default.htm


Note that Absolute are still pursuing a patent infringement case they brought against Stealth Signals Inc who then counter-claimed based on a prior patent - this has been ongoing since 2004. Some info here on Stealth's website: http://www.stealthsignal.com/patent.aspx. Stealth Signals sold their xTools product and intellectual property to Phoenix Technologies (linked above).

Author: dwilliams PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:07 pm    Post subject:
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I did a quick check on the absolute website. My concern with a software based solution would be that someone would format the laptop. I would assume that this would then also remove the tracking software.

This is why I think a hardware based system would be best. First they would hve to know that there is a piece of hardware tracking the system and then would have to remove it. By this time, I would hope they would be caught.

Thanks for the info though, any help is greatly appreciated.

Dennis

Author: AdamVLocation: Leeds, UK PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:08 pm    Post subject:
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It respawns from the BIOS:

http://www.absolute.com/products-core-technology.asp

Author: Tom BairLocation: Portland, Oregon USA PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:55 pm    Post subject:
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My sister (smart one she is) superglued a pet tracking microchip to the inside underneath of her DVD drive on her laptop, then registered her laptop as a pet with the tracking service.

It's been almost a year, and she hasn't lost the laptop yet; but we both assume this will work. However, as of this date - it's untested Laughing

Author: markaron PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 4:24 pm    Post subject: Security software
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mind giving some resources also? for laptop security? Embarassed

Author: AdamVLocation: Leeds, UK PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:17 pm    Post subject:
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Sorry Mark, I don't understand your question, can you be clearer what sort of resources you are after?



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