Back on November 25, we posted an article on the new Lenovo BIOS update for the Montevina systems which will allow users to remotely disable and encrypt data on their laptop via text messaging. While this is great for attorneys looking to ensure the security of their client’s confidential data it does nothing to to retrieve your piece of mobile bliss. Enter programs such as Laptop Cop, which use the Skyhook Wi-Fi system to triangulate the position of your laptop.
Skyhook is the same Wi-Fi location technology that the original iPhone’s used to triangulate your position by comparing any near-by wireless access points to their nationwide database of wireless access points. While this isn’t exactly GPS positioning for your laptop (which isn’t too far off), this will at least pin down your laptop’s location to within a few hundred square feet so you can get on your Batman outfit and mount a daring rescue. That is unless your laptop just happens to be in the lost and found at McDonald’s.
There are other programs out there which attempt to assist in the recovery of lost or stolen laptops, such as Lo-Jack. However, unfortunately, these don’t take advantage of the Skyhook system and rely on your computer remotely pinging back it’s IP address. Laptop Cop is now available through Dell’s website or directly from Awareness Technologies for only $50.00, a small price to pay to recover your mobile investment.