Stolen PCs contact home
Stolen PCs contact home
Lost and stolen PCs are costing Australia millions of dollars every year and causing major confidentiality concerns for organisations and the government because of information falling into the wrong hands.
Three weeks ago, a laptop containing information on Australia's maritime security was stolen from the Canberra headquarters of the Department of Transport.
In addition, recent findings revealed that 42 percent of Australian corporations were the victim of computer crime in 2003.
However, a new software program called PC PhoneHome, has been released to track and locate lost or stolen computers by comparing IP addresses each time the computer logs on to the internet.
John MacKellar, the Electronic Accessories Australia director explained how it works. "With PC PhoneHome, as soon as a lost or stolen computer logs on to the Internet, the computer transmits a secret electronic mail to PC PhoneHome headquarters and to a user designated address. This enables the computer to be located and retrieved from anywhere in the world. It's a simple task for police to go to the address, retrieve the computer and where necessary, make an arrest."
Apparently, the software is so stealthy, that the hard drive cannot be reformatted by thieves intend to delete the program, once it is properly password protected.
If somebody finds the PC PhoneHome files and deletes them, then the program re-spawns itself when the computer is rebooted.
It is already being used by NASA, Columbia University and Coca Cola in the U.S.A.. MacKellar added. "Currently many organisations rely on physically securing their computers to the desk, for security. This is a costly and time consuming exercise that isn't always practical. It also makes it difficult for technicians and other personnel to move a computer when technical work is required or when the computer needs to be moved to a new workstation."
A version for PDAs and PALMs will also be available soon.
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