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Restricting Computer Theft

NCJ Number
183852
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 48 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 43-45
Author(s)
Alan Harman
Editor(s)
Bruce Cameron
Date Published
May 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Computer theft is on the rise, costing businesses more than $1 billion a year in hardware loss and another $15 billion in intellectual property loss.
Abstract
Research indicates that about 75 percent of computer theft is committed by employees or contractors, that about 53 percent of all corporate theft involves computer theft, and that about 57 percent of network break-ins are committed using stolen personal computers (PCs). Absolute Software has developed a recovery system is undetectable and tamper-proof. The software program embedded in computers, uses advanced technology to routinely call into the CompuTrace Monitoring Center in Vancouver, Canada. This center tracks the status and location of every CompuTrace-equipped PC, obtaining information through a unique electronic serial number. If a computer is reported lost or stolen, CompuTrace begins a specific monitoring program to look for a signal from the stolen item. Once a computer is linked to the Internet after being stolen, recovery service officers then trace the stolen computer to the telephone number from which it is calling. Simply knowing the location of a stolen computer, however, does not guarantee a recovery. A search warrant is required to allow police to search the location. Absolute Software has developed educational programs to help police officers understand its program. Company officials report a 90 percent recovery rate because the company's recovery team has professionals who know both recovery and police procedures. 1 photograph