Identity Theft Expert and Laptop Computer Security: CTO of MyLaptopGPS Explains Why Internet-based GPS is Best for Laptop Tracking

Published 2nd April 2009

(BOSTON, Mass. - March 30, 2009 - IDTheftSecurity.com) Stolen laptop computers almost always end up indoors and connected to the Internet, according to Dan Yost, chief technology officer of laptop computer security firm MyLaptopGPS. He further noted that these circumstances at once hamper other laptop tracking systems and call for Internet-based GPS, MyLaptopGPS' brand of laptop tracking technology.

"GPS technologies such as those found in car navigation systems are great for tracking cars and kids -- both of which are often outdoors," said Yost, who invited readers to follow MyLaptopGPS' laptop computer security blog and laptop computer security posts at Twitter. "But stolen laptops are almost never outdoors. Thieves -- or the unwitting buyers of the machines thieves steal -- almost always take them indoors and connect to the Internet. This is where Internet-based GPS is best for determining the lost equipment's whereabouts."

Yost's expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and widely televised and quoted identity theft expert Robert Siciliano co-delivered a presentation titled "Information in the Modern Age: Maintaining Privacy in an Era of Medical Record Identity Theft" at the 4th Annual World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, D.C., where Former U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich delivered the keynote address.

The success rate for MyLaptopGPS is 99.6 percent; the theft rate for laptop computers equipped with the company's technology is 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. MyLaptopGPS' technology achieves this through six layers of security:

1) Prevention: MyLaptopGPS-equipped mobile computing equipment clearly displays the technology's presence on the machine. This is itself a major deterrent.

2) Tracking: Internet-based GPS determines the whereabouts (via IP address) of a stolen machine shortly after the unintended user connects to the Internet.

3) Recovery: Once the stolen machine is online, MyLaptopGPS software is able to retrieve important files silently and from a remote location.

4) Destruction: MyLaptopGPS' software also deletes these same files from the originating machine -- again, silently and from a remote location.

5) Tracing: MyLaptopGPS' offers SafeTags™, police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods™, cell phones, BlackBerry™ devices and other mobile computing property.

6) Identification: MyLaptopGPS' SafeRegistry™ facilitates the inventorying of entire fleets of mobile computing devices.

"Laptop computer security is inexpensive, but a stolen laptop can cost a fortune," said Siciliano, who endorses MyLaptopGPS and is CEO of identity theft protection firm IDTheftSecurity.com. "The choice is obvious, and with a success rate approaching one hundred percent, MyLaptopGPS is the go-to solution for organizations of all kinds looking for an affordable, effective deterrent against laptop theft."

YouTube video shows Siciliano on a local FOX News affiliate discussing the importance of securing mobile computing devices on college campuses, where laptop theft can run rampant. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who's lost a laptop computer or other mobile computing device to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

Featured in Inc. Magazine and TechRepublic, MyLaptopGPS maintains the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI™), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses and these losses’ associated costs. A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available at MyLaptopGPS' website. Anyone who belongs to LinkedIn® is encouraged to join MyLaptopGPS' laptop computer security group there. They may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS, as well, and have the opportunity to read one of two reports tailored to the type of organization they run.