• RSS
  • Twitter
  • FaceBook

Security Forums

Log in

FAQ | Search | Usergroups | Profile | Register | RSS | Posting Guidelines | Recent Posts

Laptop tracking hardware

Users browsing this topic:0 Security Fans, 0 Stealth Security Fans
Registered Security Fans: None
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly version    Networking/Security Forums Index -> Physical Security and Social Engineering

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
dwilliams
Just Arrived
Just Arrived


Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 0


Offline

PostPosted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:13 pm    Post subject: Laptop tracking hardware Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
AdamV
SF Mod
SF Mod


Joined: 06 Oct 2004
Posts: 24
Location: Leeds, UK

Offline

PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
dwilliams
Just Arrived
Just Arrived


Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 0


Offline

PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
AdamV
SF Mod
SF Mod


Joined: 06 Oct 2004
Posts: 24
Location: Leeds, UK

Offline

PostPosted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It respawns from the BIOS:

http://www.absolute.com/products-core-technology.asp
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Tom Bair
SF Boss
SF Boss


Joined: 10 Aug 2002
Posts: 16776955
Location: Portland, Oregon USA

Offline

PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
markaron
Just Arrived
Just Arrived


Joined: 09 Sep 2008
Posts: 0


Offline

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 4:24 pm    Post subject: Security software Reply with quote

mind giving some resources also? for laptop security? Embarassed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
AdamV
SF Mod
SF Mod


Joined: 06 Oct 2004
Posts: 24
Location: Leeds, UK

Offline

PostPosted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry Mark, I don't understand your question, can you be clearer what sort of resources you are after?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   

Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly version    Networking/Security Forums Index -> Physical Security and Social Engineering All times are GMT + 2 Hours
Page 1 of 1


 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Community Area

Log in | Register